Report: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka could leave Mets for Japan

Veteran right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka has stated his desire to pitch as a starter somewhere going forward - and that somewhere could be Japan.

The Pacific League champion Fukuoka Softbank Hawks are planning to offer Matsuzaka a four-year deal, according to Sports Hochi. The deal would be worth about $3.58 million per season.

The 34-year-old Matsuzaka went 3-3 with a 3.89 ERA for the Mets in 2014. Only nine of his 34 appearances were as a starter and he is unlikely to land a spot in the rotation of a Mets team next season that is getting younger, healthier and stronger.