Right-hander Misao Kida, who played mainly for the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A Tacoma this past season, has been acquired by the Yakult Swallows, officials of the Central League team said Thursday.
Kida reached an agreement with the team after taking part in talks the same day and will hold a press conference next Tuesday with further details on the deal.
Kida made just one mound appearance for Seattle this past season, but recorded 22 saves for the minor league affiliate. "He will be a big help pitching for us in relief," said player-manager Atsuya Furuta.
The 37-year-old Kida was a No. 1 draft pick by the Yomiuri Giants in 1987 and, after a stint with the Orix BlueWave, joined the Detroit Tigers on a free-agent deal in 1999.