The Orix Buffaloes on Wednesday announced the acquisition of outfielder Ryoma Nishikawa, who was second in the Central League with a .305 batting average for the Hiroshima Carp this year.
The 28-year-old's new contract is believed to be worth 1.2 billion yen ($8.04 million) or more for four years. Orix has been in search of a productive hitter who can play outfield since Masataka Yoshida left for the Boston Red Sox after the 2022 season.
Nishikawa, one of Japan's most sought-after free agents this offseason, also had a team-high 56 RBIs in his eighth year with the Carp.
"I want to play in the Pacific League," the left-handed hitter said. "I'm interested in knowing how well I can do."
In 2024, the Buffaloes will look for their fourth consecutive PL title and second Japan Series crown in three years.
