Cuban outfielder Despaigne re-signs with Chiba Lotte

TOKYO (AP) Cuban outfielder Alfredo Despaigne has re-signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines, inking a two-year deal with the Japanese Pacific League club.

The team announced the signing on its official website but did not reveal financial terms Thursday. Local media reported that the contract is worth $4.2 million.

Lotte signed Despaigne to a contract in July. The 28-year-old slugger made a smooth transition to Japanese baseball, hitting 12 homers while driving in 33 runs and posting a .311 batting average in 45 games.

Before coming to Japan, Despaigne hit 220 career home runs in the Cuban baseball league, and was MVP in the preliminary round of Pool A at the World Baseball Classic last year.