Report: Cubs eyeing Japanese reliever

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The Cubs are reportedly interested in Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa, according to Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News (ht CubsDen).

The 32-year-old right-hander is currently a free agent and has been courted by several MLB teams in addition to the Cubs, including the Diamondbacks, Angels and Dodgers. The Rangers have also scouted the closer.

Fujikawa has reportedly visited Chicago and Arizona in person.

The 6-foot, 168-pound righty has racked up 219 saves over the last seven seasons for the Hanshin Tigers and has 914 strikeouts in 689.2 innings in his 12-year career.

Fujikawa, who dials it up to the mid-90s with his fastball, has not sported an ERA above 2.01 since 2004 and was 2-2 with a 1.32 ERA, 24 saves and 58 Ks in 47.2 innings last season.

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