It doesn’t look like the talks between the Oakland Athletics and Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma are over. According to MLB.com’s Jane Lee, negotiations may still be ongoing, and neither has shut the door on an agreement.

Earlier this week, it was believed that the right-hander was about to wrap up his talks and return to his Japanese team, Rakuten, when the A’s refused to give him a Barry-Zito-like deal of $18 million per year.  However, Iwakuma’s agent cleared up the confusion in a series of tweets that Iwakuma wanted far less (four-years worth $15.25 million).

The sides have until December 7th to finalize a deal, otherwise Iwakuma will return to Rakuten. Iwakuma will be a free agent next winter, so he’ll be free to shop himself around without a posting fee.