Japanese pitcher Koyo Aoyagi has been posted to Major League Baseball (MLB), making him eligible for signing as a free agent until 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 17.

The 31-year-old right-hander, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, had a mixed performance this season with the Hanshin Tigers of the Pacific League, finishing with a record of 2-3 and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.69 over 12 appearances. His season was characterized by a demotion that led him to pitch 11 games in the minor leagues.

In addition to his regular season work, Aoyagi made a brief appearance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he pitched for Japan but struggled, allowing five runs and eight hits over just 1 2/3 innings in two games.

MLB teams interested in signing Aoyagi will have to pay a fee to the Hanshin Tigers, which is set at 20% of the guaranteed money in any major league contract up to $25 million. The fee structure continues with 17.5% on amounts exceeding that threshold up to $50 million, and 15% on any amount above that. Furthermore, a supplemental fee of 15% will be applied to bonuses, escalators, and any compensation secured from option years that are exercised or guaranteed.

In the event that Aoyagi signs a minor league contract instead, the Hanshin Tigers will still receive a posting fee amounting to 25% of the signing bonus from the MLB team that acquires him.