The 28-year-old was sold to the Yomiuri Giants prior to the 2019 season, and he will remain in Japan in 2020 after signing with the Nippon-Ham Fighters. Villanueva performed well in his last major-league action, hitting .236/.299/.450 with 20 home runs and 46 RBI over 110 games in 2018 for the Padres before a broken finger cut his season short.

It was originally reported that Villanueva was headed to the Hanshin Tigers, but he was actually sold to the Giants. The 27-year-old had a hot start with San Diego this season, but ended up with a .236/.299/.450 slash line before a broken finger ended his season in August. The Padres will instead look to their younger infield options, namely top prospect Fernando Tatis.

Villanueva got off to a hot start with the Padres in 2018, but finished the season with a .236/.299/.450 line across 110 games -- his season was cut short in August due to a broken finger. With prospect Fernando Tatis waiting in the wings, the Padres opted to see Villanueva to the Japanese club.

Villanueva suffered a fractured middle finger Aug. 22 and was expected to miss 3-4 weeks. With nothing to play for over the final weeks of the season, the club formally shut down its young infielder for the 2018 campaign. Villanueva should be ready to compete for a starting job in camp next year after slashing .236/.299/.450 with 20 homers over 384 plate appearances in his first full season with the Friars.