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Cuban outfielder Cepeda to play for Japan's Giants

TOKYO (AP) — Cuban outfielder Frederich Cepeda has signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million to play for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Central League.

The 34-year-old Cepeda played for Cuba at all three editions of the World Baseball Classic and will arrive in Japan next month, the team announced on its official website.

"It has been my dream to play baseball in Japan," Cepeda said in a statement released by the Giants. "That dream has become reality, and I am filled with excitement."

Cepeda hit six home runs in three WBCs and also helped his country win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

The Giants reached an agreement with Cepeda with the cooperation of the Baseball Federation of Cuba.

Cepeda joins compatriot Leslie Anderson, who defected to Mexico in 2009 and signed with the Giants before the start of the 2014 season.