Braves right-hander Kenshin Kawakami figures to be among the myriad options the Yankees consider when looking for rotation help.

The Braves, though, might get a better deal from Japan.

Two Japanese clubs are willing to acquire Kawakami and cover more than half of his remaining $6.67 million salary, according to a major-league source.

The Braves would not obtain a player in such a transaction, but they could reinvest the savings in draft picks, international free agents or mid-season additions.

Kawakami, 35, is 8-22 with a 4.32 ERA in two years with the Braves, including 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA last season.

His appeal to the Yankees — if it indeed exists — would stem from his 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA in five career starts against the AL East, including a three-inning stint against the Yankees.

In other Braves news, left-hander Billy Wagner remains on the team’s 40-roster, leaving open the possibility that he could rejoin the club.

Wagner still intends to retire, sources say, but has yet to formally submit his paperwork to Major League Baseball. Even after he makes his retirement official, he would need to sit out only 60 days if he wanted to return.

— Ken Rosenthal