According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs have agreed to a two-year contract with free agent right hander Kyuji Fujikawa for $9.5 million. The deal includes a vesting option for a third year and according to Rosenthal, Fujikawa will likely be the Cubs’ closer.
According to Ken Rosenthal, Fujikawa received a $1 million signing bonus and will make $4 million per year in 2013 and 2014. The third year vesting option is worth $5.5 million or $6 million and is based on games finished. If the third year option does not vest, the Cubs would buyout the third year of the contract for $500,000 … a total guaranteed contract of $9.5 million.
The Cubs have not commented on the signing according to Paul Sullivan.
Updated 5:37pm CST – According to Jon Heyman, Fujikawa’s contract includes $2 million in performance bonuses per year on top of the guaranteed $9.5 million. The 32-year old right hander owns a 26-18 career mark in 345 games over six seasons in Japan. Fujikawa has recorded 202 saves with a 1.36 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. Fujikawa was 2-2 in 48 games last season with the Hanshin Tigers (1.32 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP). Fujikawa struck out 58 batters, walked 15 and surrendered 34 hits in 47 2/3 innings.
Kyuji Fujikawa features a low-90s fastball, a slider and a forkball.
Kyuji Fujikawa’s Page on Baseball-Reference
According to David Kaplan, the Cubs signed Fujikawa to keep him, not flip him at the deadline. The Cubs like his skill set and are trying to upgrade the pitching staff.
Carlos Marmol has one year remaining on the three-year contract he signed prior to the 2011 season. Marmol is owed $9.8 million for the 2013 season.
Jim Bowden reported that the Cubs and Angels could revisit a deal for Carlos Marmol now that Fujikawa is under contract for two years.
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