Seibu Lions general manager Haruhiko Suzuki indicated the Pacific League club will not engage in a bidding war to re-sign pitcher Takayuki Kishi, who filed for free agency on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old right-hander has a 103-65 career record, was the MVP of the 2008 Japan Series and threw a no-hitter in 2014. However, over the past two seasons Kishi has posted a 14-13 record and worked just 240⅔ innings. This year was the final season of his three-year contract.

The team has already met with Kishi about his staying at Seibu Prince Dome from next season, and Suzuki indicated the team would not alter its contract offer further.

"From the team's side, we've dealt in good faith," Suzuki said.

Kishi, who turned pro after university, choosing to join the Lions ahead of the 2006 draft, said, "I've come this far for 10 years in this world, and I'd like to hear how much others value me. I'm going into this with the intention to leave."

Hatsuhiko Tsuji, who recently signed on to manage the Lions for next season, said, "If he leaves, it will be tough. There aren't that many pitchers who win 10-plus games. The only thing I can do is wait anxiously."