Former Chunichi Dragons infielder Hirokazu Ibata has agreed to play for the Yomiuri Giants next season, the team said Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Ibata, who shone for Japan during the World Baseball Classic in March, had been cut loose by the Dragons after refusing to accept a huge pay cut. He missed a chunk of time this season due to injury, batting just .236 with 77 hits in 100 games.

Ibata, a seven-time Golden Glove winner, will compete for the second base job to partner with Yomiuri's star shortstop Hayato Sakamoto in the middle infield.