The Cubs announced that they have reached an agreement with Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa. The two-year, $9.5MM contract includes a club/vesting option for 2015.
Fujikawa will receive a $1MM signing bonus, $4MM in salary for 2013 and '14, plus a vesting option at $5.5MM or $6MM based on games finished. If the option does not vest, it turns to a $5.5MM club option with a $500K buyout. In total, Fujikawa has a guaranteed $9.5MM when including the buyout.
It was reported last week that Fujikawa was nearing a decision with the Halos in the lead. At least ten teams offered the hurler along the way, including the Dodgers, Orioles, and Diamondbacks. Over the past six seasons with the Hanshin Tigers, the 32-year-old record 202 saves while posting a 1.36 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 12.4 K/9, and 2.3 BB/9 in 369 2/3 innings.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported the agreement and the details of the deal. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported the total value of the deal.
