Reports: Cubs sign Japanese closer Fujikawa
CHICAGO -- The Cubs have reportedly signed Japanese free agent pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa to a two-year, $9.5 million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network on Saturday.
The Cubs would not confirm or comment on the report.
Fujikawa, 32, played 12 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers, totaling 220 saves, and a 1.77 ERA. Last season, he appeared in 47 2/3 innings and compiled a 1.32 ERA. He was sidelined with an adductor strain and has not thrown 70 innings in a single season since 2007.
According to Rosenthal, the right-hander will receive a signing bonus of $1 million and $4 million in salaries in 2013 and '14. There is a vesting option valued at $5.5 million or $6 million, to be determined by games finished.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121201&content_id=40489840&vkey=news_chc&c_id=chc
I think this is going to be a great pick up for my Cubbies. The reports had looked like Fujikawa was going to sign with the angels, I'm glad Theo was able to sign him before the Angels.