ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers and Japan's Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters are starting a multiyear agreement this year that will involve baseball and business operations.
Former Texas ace Yu Darvish is among the players who came to the majors from the Fighters. The latest big name to come to the U.S. from Nippon Ham is Shohei Ohtani, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December with the intention of being a pitcher and everyday player.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniel said Friday part of the reason for the agreement is that both franchises are building stadiums.