Kintetsu Buffaloes slugger Norihiro Nakamura declared free agency Tuesday and is considering several options, including a possible move to the Japan Series champion Yomiuri Giants.
Nakamura is the second power-hitting Japanese star to declare free agency in the past week. Yomiuri slugger Hideki Matsui said on Friday he will become a free agent with the intention of pursuing a career in the major leagues.
Nakamura belted 42 homers this season for the Buffaloes and drove in 115 runs while batting .294 in 140 games.
Several major-league teams are reportedly interested in the veteran third baseman.
Matsui files officially
Yomiuri Giants slugger Hideki Matsui officially filed for free agency Tuesday, four days after making public his intention to play in the major leagues next season.
Yomiuri officials said the documents Matsui sent over the weekend reached the club's head office on Tuesday morning, making him eligible to begin negotiations with any team on Nov. 13.