As the posting deadline for ace pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to complete a contract with a major league club, his Japanese team, the Central League’s Yomiuri Giants have offered him a four-year contract with annual opt-out options in an effort to keep him here, Nikkan Sports reported Monday.

Although the 31-year-old is reportedly seeing more lucrative offers from MLB clubs, he has also expressed concern about playing in the States due to the greater risk of coronavirus infection. Japan’s teams played a 120-game schedule, with only the first few weeks behind closed doors, and only one game was canceled out of concern for possible infections.

The Giants’ offer would allow him to be a free agent next year, something he will achieve on his own if he plays a full season here in 2021.

The deadline for Sugano, who is currently in the United States, to sign a deal is 5 pm Friday EST.