BOSTON (AP) -- Former Marlins outfielder Kevin Millar rejected a waiver claim Wednesday by the Boston Red Sox, who now must negotiate with a Japanese team to get his rights.

Millar agreed last week to a $6.2 million, two-year contract with the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League, a deal with a player option for 2005 that could make the agreement worth more than $10 million.

Florida put Millar on waivers to get him off the Marlins' 40-man roster. Boston claimed him, but as a veteran player Millar had the right to reject the claim.

The Dragons paid the Marlins $1.2 million for the rights to Millar and would expect to be compensated for at least that much.

Millar hit .306 with 16 homers and 57 RBI last season. He also had a 25-game hitting streak.

Millar has a .296 batting average with 59 homers and 251 RBI in five major league seasons, all with Florida.

Tuesday, Boston finalized its $4.5 million, two-year contract with third baseman Bill Mueller. He gets $2.1 million in each of the next two seasons, and Boston has a $2.1 million option for 2005 with a $300,000 buyout.