A representative of pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura, who is aiming to enter the major leagues from Lotte, said at a press conference, "We have received inquiries from about 6 teams. Negotiations may start in the new year."
32-year-old pitcher Sawamura transferred from Giants to Lotte in the middle of this season, his 10th year as a professional, and after the transfer, he pitched in 22 games as a middleman and played an active role with an ERA of 1.71.
John Box, who is acting as a negotiating agent, met online on the 16th, aiming to enter the major leagues by exercising the rights of FA = free agents including overseas after the end of the season.
"We've been inquired by about six teams so far. The transfer market is very slow at this off, as we're about to enter Christmas holidays," Box said, adding that the official offer hasn't arrived yet. I think it will be the beginning of the year that the negotiations will move in earnest. "
Regarding pitcher Sawamura, he evaluated his ability, saying, "The split is wonderful and it is a very big advantage. The straight is fast and the slider is good, so American batters will have a hard time responding."
Mr. Box is also acting as an agent for pitcher Yoshihisa Hirano, who has become a free agent from the Mariners, and revealed that pitcher Hirano also has "inquiries from about 6 teams."