The Nippon Ham Fighters on Tuesday formally signed former major league lefty Brad Thomas to a one-year deal worth an annual salary of 45 million yen.
Thomas, who paid his own way to take part in a team tryout in the club's spring training camp in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, said he hoped to contribute to leading the Fighters to the championship this season as a member of the starting rotation.
The 27-year-old Australian is scheduled to make a preseason start after obtaining his visa.
Thomas, who boasts a 150 kph fastball, went 0-3 with a 9.89 ERA in 11 major league games.
Last season, he made three mound appearances with the Minnesota Twins and was traded to the Boston Red Sox but had no opportunities to pitch.