The Hanshin Tigers announced the acquisition Friday of slugging outfielder Mel Rojas Jr., who led South Korea's KBO League in home runs and RBIs this season.

The 30-year-old American joins the Central League club from KBO side KT Wiz, for whom he has played since 2017.

Rojas drove in 135 runs this year, his third straight season plating more than 100, with 47 homers. He averaged .349 for the season, having improved in each of his four KBO campaigns.

The Tigers hope the 189-centimeter, 102-kilogram switch hitter can slot into the heart of their batting order, on either side of cleanup Yusuke Oyama.

Rojas, who has no major league experience, will wear the No. 24 shirt after penning a two-year deal believed to worth an annual $2.5 million.

==Kyodo

© Kyodo News International, Inc., source Newswire