The Yomiuri Giants announced Monday the acquisition of Michihiro Ogasawara, and the former Nippon Ham Fighters slugger said he is determined to play up to his ability for his new team.
"I feel like I'm starting from scratch," said Ogasawara, who has agreed on a four-year deal with Yomiuri for an annual salary of 380 million yen.
Giants manager Tatsunori Hara has made clear his plan to put Ogasawara at the heart of his lineup as a first-choice third baseman.
This year, Ogasawara led the Fighters to their first Japan Series championship in 44 years with 32 homers and 100 RBIs, both league highs.