NAGOYA (Kyodo) The Chunichi Dragons said Tuesday they would not be offering three-time Central League home run king Tyrone Woods a new contract for next season.
Woods joined Chunichi from the Yokohama BayStars in 2005 and played a pivotal role in helping the Dragons win the Central League pennant in 2006, when he won both the home run and RBI titles, and last year's Japan Series championship.
The 39-year-old batted .276 with 35 homers and 77 RBIs this season. But he hit only .227 with runners in scoring position and his defensive abilities have deteriorated at first base.
Woods' annual salary of ¥600 million also proved to be a major factor in Chunichi's decision not to resign him.