The Yomiuri Giants have come to terms on a one-year contract in the acquisition of Cuban World Baseball Classic outfielder Frederich Cepeda, the Central League club announced on Saturday.
The Giants reached an agreement with the Cuban Baseball Federation to sign Cepeda. The 34-year-old Cepeda, who will wear the No. 23 uniform, will be paid ¥150 million in addition to a ¥50 million signing bonus.
"It has been my dream to play baseball in Japan," Cepeda said in a statement released by the Giants. "That dream has become reality, and I am filled with expectations."
It is the first time a Cuban player will move to Japan since the Cuban government indicated it will allow its athletes from all sports to sign contracts with foreign leagues without defecting. Cepeda could arrive as early as mid-May once he obtains a visa.
A member of Cuba's national team in all three WBC tournaments, Cepeda has hit a total of six home runs in the event.
Giants skipper Tatsunori Hara, who led the Japan national team to a second consecutive WBC title in 2009, said, "He was a player we really had to keep an eye on. He is a big addition to our club."