The 32-year-old Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda came to an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-year $35.3 million contract.

Dodgers general manager said in an interview that Kuroda was “the best starting pitcher on a free-agent market and will be a great addition to our staff […] There was a lot of competition for a pitcher of his ilk, and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen to become a Dodger and to make Los Angeles his home.”

According to major-league sources, this was ultimately the player’s options, as Dodger was not the highest bidder. Among the teams offering Kuroda deals were the Royals, the Mariners and the Diamondbacks.

The Japanese right-hander was heavily courted by several teams, but the Dodgers were his final option, with a three-year contract and a $35.3 million deal. The Dodgers reportedly offered him a four-year contract, but it was Kuroda’s wish to possibly end his career in Japan, so he chose the three-year deal.

Kuroda had previously signed a four-year deal with Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nov. 2006, but the contract included a provision according to which Kuroda would be able to negotiate with major league teams, as long as he agrees not to play for any other Japanese team.

Dodgers’ new acquisition played the last 11 seasons for the Hiroshima team, where he had a 103-89 record and 3.69 ERA in 271 games. He’s been also part of the Japanese All Star team for the last three seasons. 

Hiroki Kuroda is the seventh Japanese player in Dodgers’ history, and he will join his friend Takashi Saito, who has been with the Dodgers since 2006. Sunday will mark his official presentation as a Dodger at a news conference held at the Dodger Stadium.