The Cubs, landing their biggest off-season target, have signed Japanese free-agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to a four-year contract, major-league sources confirmed to FOXSports.com.
The deal, first reported by WGN Radio in Chicago, is expected to be for approximately $12 million per season, sources said.
Fukudome, 30, gives the Cubs a left-handed hitter who will balance their heavily right-handed lineup. He is expected to be the team’s everyday right fielder.
Fukudome had a .305 career batting average in Japan, averaging 29 homers between 2003 and ’06. He appeared in only 81 games for the Chunichi Dragons last season due to a right-elbow injury that required surgery.
The Padres, Giants and White Sox were among the teams that bid for Fukudome. The Padres are now expected to turn their attention to re-signing free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, who also is entertaining offers from other clubs. The Giants and White Sox are among the teams competing for free agent Aaron Rowand.