Chunichi Dragons outfielder Kosuke Fukudome said Monday he has decided to become a free agent.
Not only major league clubs — the Chicago Cubs are mooted as a likely destination — but also Japanese teams such as the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers are expected to compete for Fukudome's services while he is unlikely to stay with Chunichi, according to baseball sources. Negotiations open Wednesday.
"I've wanted to know how I am perceived by others. I haven't decided to leave the team or go overseas," Fukudome said at a press conference in Nagoya.
The 30-year-old Fukudome is a career .305 hitter with 192 homers and 647 RBIs in nine seasons with Chunichi.