Former major league infielder Tadahito Iguchi is on the verge of joining the Chiba Lotte Marines, baseball sources said Monday.
Iguchi could be unveiled by Lotte as early as Tuesday, when he meets with officials of the Pacific League club to negotiate performance-related incentives.
Released by the Philadelphia Phillies at the end of last season, Iguchi was offered a three-year deal worth around ¥600 million by Lotte after opening negotiations on Jan. 7.
Iguchi also received offers from several other clubs in Japan as well as in the major leagues. The 34-year-old had put top priority on continuing his career in the majors but is thought to have abandoned a move back to North America after failing to negotiate a deal.
Iguchi, who won a World Series ring with the Chicago White Sox in his rookie year in 2005, began last season with the San Diego Padres but was left out of their plans after suffering a shoulder injury in June.