Hiroshima Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, one of 72 players who have become eligible for free agency this year, said Thursday he will let the Central League club know next week whether he will exercise his right to become a free agent.
Kuroda, who met the requirements for free agency this year for the first time, went 13-6 this season with a 1.854 ERA in 26 outings.
A report last month in the online edition of the Chicago Tribune said the 31-year-old was being monitored by the Chicago Cubs.