Kintetsu Buffaloes cleanup hitter Norihiro Nakamura completed nine years as a registered professional player Sunday and earned the right to free agency based on the rules of the Japan Baseball Organization (NPB).
Nakamura gave little away about his future plans, saying he wanted to concentrate on winning the Japan Series this year but added playing in the major leagues remained a possibility.
"I have not yet thought about whether to exercise my rights (as a free agent). All that's on my mind is how to lead the Buffaloes to the championship," Nakamura said a day after the two-game All-Star series concluded.
Nakamura, batting .307 with 24 home runs, 81 hits and 59 RBIs in 69 games so far this season, won his second straight RBI title last year in the Pacific League after being named the home-run king the previous year.