The Yomiuri Giants said Saturday they have acquired former Kansas City Royals right-handed starter Brian Bannister.
The 29-year-old, who was in the Royals' rotation the past four seasons, has agreed to a one-year, ¥150 million contract.
Bannister elected free agency in November after going 7-12 with a 6.34 ERA in 24 games, 23 of them starts, last season.
"He was in a starting rotation in the majors every year," team representative Hidetoshi Kiyotake said. "We hope to see him land a spot in our rotation."
Bannister owns a career record of 37-50 with a 5.08 ERA in 117 games over five major league seasons with the New York Mets and the Royals.
His father Floyd pitched in Japan in 1990, winning three games for the Yakult Swallows.