Former Chunichi Dragons and Yomiuri Giants left-hander Shigeki Noguchi has agreed to join the Toronto Blue Jays in a minor league deal, his management said Thursday.

The 34-year-old Noguchi was a steady force behind the Dragons' drive for the Central League championship in 1999 when he went 19-7 to earn the CL's Most Valuable Player award.

He also had the CL's best ERA with Chunichi in 1998 and 2001 but struggled after joining Yomiuri in 2006 and was not on the top team's roster last season.

Noguchi last pitched for the Giants in 2007, posting a 4.30 ERA over 31 games.