Major League Baseball

Nakajima headed back to Japan

Published Jan. 5, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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The New York Yankees say they have failed to sign Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima.

The Yankees won negotiating rights to the 29-year-old last month with a high bid of $2.5 million. But because they failed to reach an agreement within 30 days, they do not have to pay the posting fee and his rights revert to the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League.

Nakajima hit .297 with 16 homers and 100 RBIs last season for the Lions. He played at the 2008 Olympics and attracted attention in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, where he batted .364 with six walks and six RBIs in seven games as Japan won the title.

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