Tokyo Yakult Swallows infielder Akinori Iwamura said he wants to conclude negotiations with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as soon as possible after meeting with his agent Alan Nero on Sunday.
"I want the contract sorted out quickly. It's better that way because once it is taken care of I can focus solely on training," said Iwamura.
"I am leaving the contract talks in the hands of my agent. I believe he will create an environment where I can just concentrate on playing ball," he added.
Tampa Bay has won the rights to negotiate with the Japanese All-Star third baseman under the posting system and has until Dec. 15 to strike a deal.
Both sides appear close to reaching an agreement and Iwamura is set to undergo a medical check in the coming days.
Although Iwamura wants his future sorted out quickly, Nero, who also represents Seattle Mariners catcher Kenji Jojima, said he wants to take negotiations as close to the deadline as possible.
Iwamura, a member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March, finished the 2006 season with a .311 batting average, 32 homers and 77 RBIs in 145 games.