Free agent Dave Nilsson got the exact deal he sought — a contract with a pro team in Japan and a chance to play for his native Australia in the upcoming Sydney Olympics.
The All-Star catcher signed a one-year contract Monday with the Chunichi Dragons. He will make about $2 million, compared to the nearly $5.7 million he earned last season with the Milwaukee Brewers.
"This is a dream come true for me. This is what I wanted," Nilsson said after agreeing to terms in Sydney.
Nilsson, 30, hit .309 with 21 home runs and 62 RBIs for Milwaukee last year and was a member of the NL All-Star team. The left-handed hitter missed September because of a broken right thumb.
Minnesota, Florida and Kansas City had talked to Nilsson about a new contract. Agent Alan Nero said he also spoke to the New York Yankees and Cleveland, but their interest was based on making trades to open room for Nilsson.
Nilsson will become a free agent after the season. As for a future return to the majors, "there might be places that might make it hard for him to say no," Nero said from Sydney.
Nilsson said all along he wanted to play in the Summer Games — they start in September, in the middle of the pennant race. This is the first time American professional teams will let players compete in the Olympics, but clubs are not expected to permit their top stars to take part.
Japan's pro league, however, will let a lot of its top talent play in the Olympics. Nilsson plans to return to Chunichi after the Games for the remainder of the Dragons' season.
Nilsson will be the first Australian major leaguer to play in Japan, Dragons spokesman Tetsuo Ishiguro said.