Highly regarded amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa left Japan for the United States on Monday after a U.S. media report said an agreement has been reached between him and the Boston Red Sox.
Tazawa is believed to be in the final stage of preparation to sign with the Red Sox, who have reportedly won the heart of the 22-year-old over three other major league clubs that also made offers — the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners.
The ace of the Nippon Oil corporate team did not speak to reporters at Narita airport and was escorted on board by airline officials.