Vosler, 31, crushed the ball in Triple-A last season, hitting .303/.371/.573 with 31 homers and 110 RBI for Tacoma, but he’s thus far come in at just .207/.274/.395 in 107 major league games with the Giants, Reds and Mariners. With the choice of taking a minor league contract with a chance to compete for a job in spring training or getting guaranteed money overseas, he’s opted for Japan. He could take over as Chunichi’s first baseman. That was a spot long held down by former White Sox player Dayan Viciedo, but at age 35, he lost his hold on the job last season.

Vosler went unclaimed despite putting up excellent numbers in the minors with Triple-A Tacoma. He’ll be a minor-league free agent at the end of the 2024 campaign.

The move makes room for Austin Kitchen on the 40-man. Vosler has been excellent in Triple-A this year, hitting .299/.368/.566 with 28 homers in 111 games. It might make sense for the Royals to put in a claim and give themselves another first base option with Vinnie Pasquantonio out.

Vosler loses his spot on Seattle’s bench with Dominic Canzone set to return from the injured list for Thursday’s game against the Tigers. The 30-year-old hit .179 (5-for-28) with three RBI in 10 games for the Mariners.