Japanese shortstop Takashi Toritani has chosen to remain with the Hanshin Tigers, according to a report by a Japanese news outlet.
Toritani issued a statement via his agent Scott Boras:
“I earned my international FA option and exercised it. I spent a lot of time thinking about my options and would now like to let everyone know that I decided to stay. I apologize to the fans, organization, and players for the worry I may have caused by taking so long to come to this decision. I would like to ask the fans to put their concerns aside in exchange for a season in which I will work hard to help share the happiness that comes from winning a league pennant and Nippon Series.”
The Mets were reportedly interested in Toritani according to manager Terry Collins, but that was never confirmed by the front office and no other reports ever surfaced connecting the Mets to him.
Toritani, 33, was looking to be a starting shortstop and had no interest in being a part-time player. He has an active 1,444 consecutive games played streak and over 11 seasons for the Hanshin Tigers, he has a career .285/.372/.412 batting line.
Last season, he batted .313 with a .406 OBP, 28 doubles, eight home runs, 73 RBI, and 96 runs.
