Free agent outfielder Hideki Matsui, still unsigned for the upcoming season, left Japan for the United States on Wednesday.
Matsui will continue to wait for offers from major league clubs while training in the United States.
For most teams, position players are scheduled to join pitchers and catchers this weekend in spring training in Arizona and Florida.
Matsui hit a career-low .251 last season for the Oakland Athletics with 12 home runs and 72 RBIs.