SoftBank Hawks ace Kodai Senga remained on track to leave Japan’s major leagues for MLB prior to the 2023 season, after signing a five-year contract with the Pacific League club that includes an opt-out that will allow him to file for international free agency next year.

Senga, who has long coveted a move to MLB only to be denied because the Hawks officially “do not recognize the posting system,” won his season debut in April, but hurt his ankle fielding a comebacker. He returned in July when he surrendered 10 runs in 2-2/3 innings.