Fukudome Joins Cubbies

Just days after the news of Kosuke Fukudome's plans of coming to the big leagues, the Chicago Cubs have landed the Japanese sensation.

The 30-year-old outfielder has agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract, subject to a passed physical. Before he underwent surgery on his throwing elbow in August, leaving him out of the Japan Series, he had hit 192 homers with a .305 batting average over nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons.

Fukudome was the 2006 Central League MVP, hitting .351 with 31 homers and 104 RBIs. He is expected to patrol right field in the absence of outfielder Jacque Jones, who was traded to the Detroit Tigers this offseason.

[Chicago Tribune] | [Out of Right Field] | [Bleed Cubbie Blue]