The Athletics are nearing a deal with shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports report (Twitter links). Nakajima, a free agent, also had offers to return to Japan, according to the FOX Sports writers. The A's have announced a news conference that will take place tomorrow and feature GM Billy Beane and a "special guest."
When Nakajima was available via the posting system last winter, the Yankees submitted the winning bid. However, the sides did not reach a deal, and instead Nakajima returned to the Seibu Lions on a one-year, $3.64MM contract.
Nakajima, 30, posted a .311/.382/.451 batting line for the Lions in 2012. The right-handed hitter has a similar career mark of .310/.381/.474.
