Munenori Kawasaki, 35, impending free agent, is thinking about returning once again to play in Japan next season, via report. A number of NPB teams have said to have shown interest in Kawasaki this year, but the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks (the team he played for when he was still in Japan), of the Pacific League, will most likely have the higher chance in getting him back this off-season, other than his jersey number 52 (his old number) prepped and ready in case of a comeback, the Hawks are also preparing a 3-year deal worth 1.2 billion Yen (est. 11.650 million USD) just for him.

Kawasaki is currently looking for more playing time, and playing in NPB will give him just that compared to playing in the big leagues. Also, it looks like that Kawasaki is not getting used to the minor league life… especially long bus travels there in the States, leading to his consideration about returning home.

In 5 years at the Major league level, Kawasaki owns a batting line of .237/.320/.289 with 1 HR and 51 RBI in 738 PA (276 G, 633 AB). He played just 14 games with the Chicago Cubs in the regular season, hitting .333/.462/.429 in 26 PA (21 AB), he spent most of his time in the minors during the season. He was on the Cubs roster in the postseason and World Series, but did not make an appearance in any of their games.