Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yoshitomo Tani has opted not to become a free agent and agreed with the Pacific League club Saturday to a new one-year contract carrying an estimated 280 million yen in annual salary plus performance incentives.
Tani declined a multiyear deal, and his base salary will be down 10 million yen yen from this year after he hit just .248 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 111 games in a season plagued with a rib injury he suffered on the eve of the regular-season opener in March.
"I was told that the team needs me for the next season, and I would like to meet its expectations," said Tani.