Former Pirates outfielder Alexander Canario (25) held a press conference to announce his joining the team on the 30th at the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama.

He made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2011 and is a long-range hitter with a long-range hitting ability, having hit a total of eight Home Run in the majors and 109 in the Home Run. In 2011 and 2012, he played for the Cubs alongside Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. He says he doesn't remember ever talking about Japanese baseball, but he and Suzuki "we were always joking around. He even taught me Japanese, like saying 'Ganbare, Ganbare'."

His nickname is "Kani," and Canario blushed and said, "Call me Kani." "I had tsukemen at the dorm yesterday and it was really delicious, and I've been eating a lot of fried rice since I was over there. I've also had sushi," he said, showing his affinity for Japanese food. Looking ahead to spring training, which begins on February 1st, and the season beyond, he said enthusiastically, "The most important thing is for the players to see what I have. I want to play with all my might, give 100 percent, and contribute to the team."