Cubs decline option on Fujikawa

By foxsports
Published

CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs have declined their option for next season on reliever Kyuji Fujikawa, making him eligible for free agency.

The option was for $5.5 million with a $500,000 buyout.

A longtime closer in Japan, the right-hander signed with the Cubs before the 2013 season but never delivered the way the organization hoped. He tore a ligament in his pitching elbow in his first year with the Cubs and underwent Tommy John surgery.

Fujikawa returned in August. He was 1-1 with a 5.04 ERA and two saves in 27 appearances over two seasons with the Cubs.

The team announced the move on Thursday.