HATSUKAICHI, Hiroshima Pref. (Kyodo) Left-hander Ken Takahashi, who declared himself a free agent from the Hiroshima Carp with the hope of playing in the major leagues, has agreed to a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, his agent said Monday.
Takahashi's agent Go Nakanishi said Takahashi, who hopes to earn promotion to the majors, has received an invitation to the team's spring training camp. His contract is for one year.
"I feel a mixture of expectations and nervousness. My main objective since I am going is to get a win in the majors," Takahashi said in a statement.
Takahashi went 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 21 appearances, 20 of them starts, last season and has a 66-87 career record with five saves and a 4.23 ERA in 14 seasons, all with Hiroshima.