Yomiuri Giants veteran right-hander Masumi Kuwata decided Wednesday not to exercise his free agent rights, opting to accept a new one-year contract with the popular Central League team.
Kuwata joins Kazuhiro Kiyohara, Daisuke Motoki and Koichiro Yoshinaga, who have also qualified for free agency, in their decision to remain with the club.
Yomiuri's final potential free agent, Masahiro Kawai, is also expected to remain with the Giants.
The 33-year-old Kuwata met with front office officials before announcing on the Giants' Web site that, "As a result of talks with the club, it has been decided that I will not exercise (my free-agent rights) this time." Kuwata was 4-5 this past season with two saves and a 4.83 ERA in eight starts and eight relief appearances.