Right-hander Yusaku Iriki, who was traded from the Yomiuri Giants, has worked out a deal to join the Nippon Ham Fighters after the Pacific League club said it will allow him to try moving to the major leagues via the posting system after three years.
Yusaku Iriki
Iriki conducted talks for the third time with the Fighters, who had told the 31-year-old it would not permit a one-for-one trade with outfielder Tatsuya Ide unless Iriki gave up his request to be placed on auction via the posting system after one season.
Details of the deal will be announced later and the signing of the contract will take place in mid-January, club officials said.
Club officials said Iriki, who was traded from the Giants as the team reportedly wanted to avoid dealing with his agent, could possibly be auctioned to a major league team in two years, depending on his performance with the team.
Iriki has compiled a career 27-24 record in 173 games with the Giants.