The war is on.
Bidding for 25-year-old right-handed Japanese phenom Masahiro Tanaka began Thursday morning December 26, and will conclude January 24.
The flame throwing righty is one of the most prized possessions of the off-season, with teams from the Yankees to the Angels all in talks to make moves for him. Tanaka could command as much as $100 million in guaranteed money.
New York Daily News’ Mark Feinsand laid out the details:
The 30-day period means Tanaka will have to sign with a team by that date. Teams can bid the $20 million starting tomorrow morning to talk.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 25, 2013
Only the team that signs Tanaka will pay Rakuten the $20 million posting fee.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 25, 2013
MLB spokesman says teams do not have to place a formal $20M bid. They simply must be willing to pay Rakuten $20M if they sign Tanaka.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) December 25, 2013
During the course of the bidding all 30 teams can negotiate for him, but Tanaka is not required to meet with every team that courts him.