The Yomiuri Giants signed free agent left-hander Shugo Fujii on Tuesday to a one-year contract worth ¥60 million plus performance bonuses.
The Japan Series champions hope Fujii will fill the rotation spot left by Hisanori Takahashi, who aims to pursue a career in the major leagues.
"I always tried to find a way to beat the Giants in the past. Now it's encouraging to play for the No. 1 team in Japan," Fujii said after the second round of talks with Yomiuri this offseason. "I'll try to survive competition within the team."
Fujii had a 7-5 record with a 3.53 ERA in 22 games for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters last season. The 32-year-old pitched seven shutout innings against the Giants in Game 5 of the Japan Series.