After a lot of internal angst and anger over the new posting fee system with MLB, Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who
went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 212 innings this past
summer for the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball, was "posted" (free to negotiate with American teams) on Tuesday evening to pursue his dream of pitching at baseball's highest level.
Tanaka, 25, has impressive numbers in Japanese baseball. In 7 seasons as a starter, he has compiled a record in 175 games 99-35 (.739 win percentage), 2.30 ERA, 1.108 WHIP, 8.5 K/9 IP, 4.5 K/BB ratio.
His old team will receive $20 million posting fee if Tanaka signs with a MLB club.
Tanaka is expected to ask for approximately $100 million deal. This will blow past the record 6 year/$58 million contract with the Rangers (plus the $51.5 million post fee).
Darvish has been one of the few exceptions to the general rule in regard to Japanese baseball players coming over to make an impact in the game. Irchiro had a stellar career in the States, but it more often than not that pitchers tend to struggle unless they have major league power velocity.
The Cubs, Diamondbacks and Angels are rumored suitors for Tanaka, but do not count out the Yankees or Dodgers deep pockets from making a bid.
The Cubs claim they will aggressively seek Tanaka, but every time they attempt a major signing during the rebuilding process, nothing came of it. The statement that the Cubs will bid on Tanaka is meaningless because one can submit a confidential low ball bid, then tell the fans later that it was not accepted. It is a weak attempt for positive winter PR.
Tanaka's U.S. agent also represents the Dodgers Kershaw and Greinke which leads some to speculate that LA will have an inside track on signing Tanaka.
