The Tokyo Yakult Swallows unveiled South Korean left-hander Lee Hei Chun at a news conference Thursday in a two-year deal for a salary of $800,000, plus performance-based incentives.
Lee, who was acquired from the Doosan Bears in South Korea, is expected to join the team's starting rotation.
"He can start or pitch in relief but we would like him to be one of our starting pitchers," said Yakult manager Shigeru Takada.
The 29-year-old Lee said he will aim for at least 10 wins as a starter with Yakult.
He has pitched 10 years in South Korean, but missed the 2007 season due to injury. Lee has posted a 53-40 record with six saves in 559 games.