Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo said Tuesday he will test the free agent market after the Japan Series despite the Central League club's strong request for his continued services.
"I will declare free agency. My main priority is to stay with Hanshin, but I'm also willing to test my capabilities at another club," said Shinjo, who posted personal bests with a .278 average, 28 homers and 85 RBIs this season.
The 28-year-old Fukuoka native, who joined Hanshin in 1990 as a fifth-round draft pick, has hit .249 with 145 homers and 518 RBIs in his 11-year professional career.