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Cubs showing interest in Japanese pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa

Heading into next week's Winter Meetings, the Cubs are looking at a number of different solutions to improve last year's 101-loss ball-club. One of those solutions might be Japanese free agent pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa, who the Cubs recently hosted at Wrigley Field.

By Aaron Torres
Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

With baseball's Winter Meetings set to get underway next week, the Chicago Cubs are weighing a number of different options to improve last year's 101-loss ball-club. One of them may be to take a serious look at free agent Japanese relief pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa.

Fujikawa recently visited Wrigley Field according to CSN Chicago, and along with the Angels and heavy-spending Dodgers, Chicago is believed to be one of the team's most interested in the 32-year-old right-hander. With the Angels recent acquisition of Ryan Madson, Chicago would also offer Fujikawa the ability to step into the closer's role, something the Angels could not.

And if Fujikawa ends up pitching in the Major Leagues next year, he brings a decorated career with him from overseas. In his career Fujikawa has recorded 220 saves, with a 1.77 career ERA and 914 strikeouts to go along with 207 walks.

Fujikawa has also represented Japan in both the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the World Baseball Classic.