Kyuji

Fujikawa

The Angels were widely considered the frontrunner, but the Cubs apparently placed the highest bid. Fujikawa, 32, had a 1.77 ERA, 11.8 K/9 and 220 saves in 12 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball and seems likely to make a smooth transition to the Chicago bullpen, where he will serve as closer. His deal includes a vesting option for 2015.

It’s quite a bit of money for a rebuilding team to be giving to a reliever, but Fujikawa should be able to finally provide a steady presence at the back end of the Cubs’ bullpen. The 32-year-old from Kochi, Japan posted a 1.77 ERA and 11.8 K/9 across 12 seasons of Nippon Professional Baseball. His deal comes with a vesting option for 2015 based on games finished. If it doesn’t vest, the Cubs will hold a $5.5 million team option.

Brown’s sources claim that the Angels are the front runner. If that’s indeed true, it would lead to a very formidable at the backend of the Halo’s bullpen with Ernesto Frieri, Ryan Madson and Scott Downs.

Fujikawa is coming over to the states this offseason after a run of being arguably the best relief pitcher in Japan, where he posted a 1.26 ERA over his last eight seasons. Because he’s eligible for free agency, he will not have to go through the posting process. It was reported last month that the Dodgers were also interested in Fujikawa, though that may no longer be the case now that they’ve locked up Brandon League.

Fujikawa visited with the Cubs and Diamondbacks last week, and has upcoming visits with the Angels and Dodgers. Because he’s eligible for free agency, he doesn’t have to go through the posting process. The 32-year-old has been scouted by as many as six MLB teams, including the Rangers and Red Sox. In Chicago, Fujikawa would presumably replace Carlos Marmol.

Uehara maintains a residence in Baltimore and broke down in tears when the O’s traded him to the Rangers in July of 2011, so the righty would also likely have interest in a reunion. The Rangers have also expressed interest in re-signing Uehara, and the Phillies have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, as well. In addition to Uehara, the O’s are interested in Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa and former Brewers reliever Kameron Loe, though Connolly says Loe “doesn’t appear to be an obvious fit.”

It sounds like Fujikawa has narrowed his choices down to three teams after narrowing it from 10 teams to five teams last week. What’s not clear is if the Halos are still interested after they locked up Ryan Madson. Fujikawa could potentially be used as a closer with the Cubs but would be used in a setup role with the Angels or D’Backs.

Fujikawa is reportedly getting a two-year, $9.5 contract from the Cubs. It’s not clear at this point whether the Japanese import would be used as the team’s closer or help set up for Carlos Marmol. Fujikawa posted a 1.77 ERA and 11.8 K/9 across 12 seasons of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Fujikawa is considered one of the top international pitchers available, and will declare for the major leagues in 2013. The 32-year-old has posted a 1.26 ERA over his last eight seasons in Japan’s Central League.

“We are interested in Fujikawa, but we are interested in any free agent reliever out there who has a chance to make us better, and he is certainly one of them,” Dipoto said. The Halos join the Red Sox and Rangers as known suitors for the right-hander. Fujikawa, 32, had 202 saves and a 1.36 ERA in 345 games in Japan.