Chunichi Dragons right-hander Kenshin Kawakami, who won the Central League Most Valuable Player award this year, balked Friday at signing a deal that would double his pay citing differences between him and the front office.
Kawakami put on hold a deal worth 210 million yen in annual salary, compared with this year's 105 million yen, in the first round of talks with the club over next year's pay.
"I feel I received high marks from the club with this offer but I would like to keep straight my opinions at least this year," said Kawakami, who was instrumental in the Dragons' successful campaign to win its first league title in five years.
The 29-year-old led the CL with 15 wins and won the Sawamura Award for the best starter in Japanese baseball.