Free agent starters have largely been held up by Masahiro Tanaka, but Ubaldo Jimenez hasn't let them hurt his asking price. Want to sign the right-hander? It'll still cost you $14MM annually. While we wait to see how that plays out, here's the latest on the Japanese sensation..
- Braves president John Schuerholz says that he's not in on Tanaka but that his club did their "due diligence" on him, tweets Jim Bowden of SiriusXM.
- The Angels may be a long shot to land Tanaka, but history shows us that they shouldn't be counted out, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. Some would argue that it doesn't make sense for the Halos to spend big. On the other hand, Gonzalez writes that this is as good a time as any to splurge, because Tanaka is a free agent at a relatively young age, has more upside than any other available pitcher, won't cost a Draft pick, and the Angels badly need high-upside starting pitching.
- Tanaka will meet with the Cubs and White Sox this week, likely in Chicago, tweets Luke Stuckmeyer of CSNChicago.com.
I would like to see Tanaka in a Halo uniform but I must say his proposed 100+ million dollar price tag significantly diminishes his “high-upside.”
Especially in conjunction with an impending Mike Trout extension… but then again Arte could throw caution to the wind and take the luxury tax hit and do both…
Since when is a Trout extension impending??? Where is that being said?
It’s not being said but it’s in the Angels best interest if they want to keep Trout. He’s getting closer to free agency and is being paid a fraction of what he is worth.
I agree it’s definitely in their best interest but I was just curious if someone was actually reporting that an extension was actively being discussed. Rosenthal proposed the possibility a few days ago but that guy throws out so many outlandish trades/signings/extensions that it’s hard to put stock in any of them.
If you think four years is close then Yes trout is close to free agency.
Just because it is their best interest, doesn’t mean it’s in his. I fully expect that it would take a minimum of $150M to get an extension done with him. Doesn’t he only have this one last year before arbitration. If so, it doesn’t make much sense to him. He will have the money coming to him, and he already proven he is one of the best players.
It would be extremely out of line of the trend of young players signing extensions with their teams if the best player in the sport, who plays for a large market team that has shown competency in MOST of its recent history not to hammer out a deal before free agency. Look for a 22-24mm deal for 10 years sometime in the next offseason is my guess which will eliminate all his arb years.
It would be extremely out of line of the trend of young players signing extensions with their teams if the best player in the sport, who plays for a large market team that has shown competency in MOST of its recent history not to hammer out a deal before free agency. Look for a 22-24mm deal for 10 years sometime in the next offseason is my guess which will eliminate all his arb years.
There have been reports that there may be an offer to Trout but it wont be announced till after opening day. So that salary would count for 2015.
If I was him, I would.
You risk falling to 4th place in the competitive AL West. You have no farm system, it’s gonna take at least 2 more years of solid drafting to rebuild it. The Yankees are down. This man, even with his workload, has significant upside. AND, as a marketing guru, you have to acknowledge that the organization struck out in not enticing two intriguing Asian pitching prospects to come to SoCal, where the Asian population is extensive and strongly support baseball.
To me, this is one of the biggest no-brainers in recent baseball history. The Angels should do everything they can to bring Tanaka to Anaheim. To me, he is better than Ryu and a few nothces below Darvish. Which makes him quite an attractive option. Go for it Arte.
Excellent point. I always wonder why the Angels disregard the huge Asian population in Socal.
Look up Shigetoshi Hasegawa and… Hideki Matsui.
And Hank Congerabashi.
Shiggy!
I’d say the Rangers and Mariners are risking 4th place because neither have made any significant moves to address any pitching holes. The A’s aren’t getting the same luck with offense and Kazmir is a huge gamble. The AL West is up for grabs and Tanaka is actually more than the Angels need. He would be a big bonus for them.
Excuse me?! I’m not a Rangers fan, but their lineup in the AL West is scary! They need more SP, and lost Nathan. They will score huge, but will giveup a lot of runs to.
Mariners sign Tanaka & trade for Gomez or Kemp, and they are right in the thick of things, with the strongest Farm in the AL West, and the top pitching prospects in all of MLB!
It’s ok, recently Ryan went from just drinking the Angel Kool-Aid, to the full-on continuous IV drip.
LOL Which is why I compliment other teams’ strengths.
Angels have a better lineup than the Rangers. Rangers have the better ace but their pitching has the same question mark as the Angels do… probably not as big though.
I would say the Angels have the potential to have the better lineup but that would require Pujols/Hamilton bouncing back from really bad years, because of their age (and not believing that they can get back to close to their career norms) I would give the advantage to the Rangers.
I’m not even that concerned about that. The Angels had 11 players with OPS+ of 100 or higher in 2013. I’m more concerned with their starting pitching and bullpen depth.
Dreamer!
Statistically he is right. What happens next year, who knows.
One thing I learned watching this game is to not put any team on too high of a pedestal. If it’s still 2011, would you have predicted the Rangers’ offense would drop off so much by the end of 2013? I suspected it could happen because of how many players they had whose OBP’s fell off a cliff on the road. But I didn’t expect their offense to fall off as much as it did. In fact, if it’s 2011 still, who woulda’ thought the A’s would suddenly win 2 consecutive division titles? They were even written off as a terrible team by almost everyone going into 2012. Anything can happen. Heck, the Mariners could swoop past everyone and win the Al West crown in 2014. You never know. It’s a tough division.
The Rangers have always had scary lineups. I’ve been watching the AL West since 1989. Big offense in Texas is typical. It’s totally dependent on their pitching.
The Rangers have always had scary lineups. I’ve been watching the AL West since 1989. Big offense in Texas is typical. It’s totally dependent on their pitching.
The Rangers lineups in the late 1990s and early 2000s were scary. Been watching the AL West for 25 years. They’ve always had good offense. It’s all about their pitching. And they have plenty of holes there. The Mariners could surprise everyone without Tanaka, Gomez, or Kemp. Haven’t we learned from the A’s? No one thought they’d be winning 2 straight division titles coming into 2012. It was almost laughable. It’s anyone’s division.
the Rangers ranked 5th-6th in ERA last season with tons of injuries lol. We lost Cruz who is a streaky hitter as well as Kinsler and added 2 guys that get on base. And i have to disagree, it’s the A’s and Rangers only. The Angels have 2 good starters, and an awful bullpen. I say the first 2 could go either A’s/Rangers…followed by Seattle, AA, and the Stros.
Well to be fair the Rangers have Colby Lewis coming back and have a decent rotation as is going into 2014. If I had to rate the rotations of the AL West teams as they currently stand I would go:
A’s
Mariners
Rangers
Angels
Astros
Uh, there are still 4 decent pitchers available and the M’s are banking on their pitching prospects coming through.
I’m sorry, sir, but you don’t know anything about the Rangers pitching staff as is evidenced by your comments here…the only “pitching hole” they have is who will be their #5 SP. And even after losing Nathan, they have a couple of valid options for closer! The Halos are praying for a healthy Pujols and Hambone because offensively, without them making comebacks, the Halos are not strong offensively…too many ifs for them at this time!
The Angels are bringing back a similar line-up to last year where they ranked above Texas in almost every offensive category (they were seven homeruns behind them). If Fielder looks anything like 2013 fielder than Texas is going to have a very tough time competing offensively. While not GREAT Kinsler and Cruz were major cogs in their offense, and the odds of either Pujols or Hamilton returning to form are about the same as seeing Fielder not repeat 2013.
Not true. Lots of ifs surrounding Harrison, Ogando, Lewis, etc.
I don’t even consider Ogando or Lewis in the conversation. Harrison is a question mark, but I am not too worried about him. If Lewis bounces back, then it’s no issue; otherwise they still need a #5
What real pitching holes do the Rangers have? They have a great 7-8-9 combo (probably Soria or Scheppers switching between setting up with Feliz closing) and are set 1-4, with the only real need being possible a slight upgrade for the number 5 rotation spot (I like Ogando and Lewis, but I would prefer Ogando stays in the pen and I am just unsure if Lewis is going to be in for the long haul). Other than that small technically filled hole, the Rangers have no issues with pitching.
Ryan I know you’re a big Angels fan, I am too, but let’s be honest. There’s just as big a chance that Pujols and Hamilton never regain proper form and continue to be albatrosses. The Angels can go anywhere from 1st to 4th next season. So why not take a chance on this young, relatively cheap starting pitcher and boost your prospects for next seaon?
To say they haven’t made significant moves is nonsense. You can argue about the Fielder deal, but you can’t deny that wasn’t a significant trade or that it could positively or negatively affect the Angels next season. The Mariners signing Cano has the same effect that signing Pujols did for us. The A’s managed to get much better while not losing anything big. Being optimistic is one thing, but there are too many questions and what ifs for this team to be taken as a lock. We’ve been burned 4 straight years, let’s start treating them like it.
Even if Pujols and Hamilton never regain form and have 25 HR / 90 RBI seasons the rest of their time with the Angels, it won’t hurt them because Trout is now their offensive centerpiece.
I agree with everything that you have said. With that said, Let me add that it would be a great deal if Detroit would sign Tanaka. They have 2 possible trades to offer in Shertzer or Porcello. there is a few years difference in age. It would certainly give the Tigers the Best Pitching Staff in all of Baseball. However, one man’s thought is another man’s Target……..
They can do it. While the Angels do face potential penalties, it’s being blown out of proportion due to the lack of details people are missing.
If Arte signs him for that much then it means he can afford it and that he will have the funds to extend Trout. Especially since Wells’ contract expires after this year, and there’s around 10 players who are eligible for free agency by the 2015/2016 offseason, and a number of new non tender candidates coming (Jepsen!). Even if Arte was only to go over the tax for one season, plenty of money will be opening up.
i don’t see Trout extending in AA. I think he knows he can make more on the free agent side….but alot will come down to how competitive AA is going forward…He seems like the kind of guy that wants to play for a contender which the AA clearly are not.
I’d love to see a Sale/Tanaka rotation on the South Side!
Thinking the same thing. The sox have a good amount of money left, more coming off the books next season and could still trade a pitcher and out fielder to free up even more room. Heck just trade away john ranks for salary relief. A sale/tanaka/Quintana/ Johnson/ danks(if not traded) rotation is potentially awesome. And a young core of sale, tanaka, Quintana, Johnson, Davidson, eaton, Abreu, Garcia is a very very good core for a long time. Just offer him a 100 million dollar contract for 6-7 years and get it over with.
It’s not necessarily the money that would surprise me – it’s the years. Reinsdorf has long shied away from giving pitchers long-term deals with Mark Buehrle and Chris Sale being the lone exceptions. In Buehrle’s case, Reinsdorf took care of him because of the WS trophy he helped bring to the south side – and in the case of Sale … well, the money is such that there’s not much long-term risk involved in that deal.
He did allow Kenny to go 5 years with danks. I could see rock Hahn saying to. Him ” look this kid is 25, has never had any health issues, has good mechanics and a ton of tallent. He would instantly upgrade our rotation which is already very good. We can win another World Series with him behind Chris. Let me go to 6 years at 120. It’s a ton of money but we will make it back in the ticket sales he will help bring and he will help move the white sox into an international brand. ”
I know jerry does not like going over 4 years for pitchers but every once and a while you have to do it. I’m not saying this kid is going to be a beast but he should be very very good. And getting him along wit he other young players on the sox they will be able to hopefully compete this year. And seriously going 6 years isn’t crazy for jerry to do. And it allows tanaka to get one more big contract if he performs to his potential.
This would be ridiculously awesome if we signed him
Thinking the same thing. The sox have a good amount of money left, more coming off the books next season and could still trade a pitcher and out fielder to free up even more room. Heck just trade away john ranks for salary relief. A sale/tanaka/Quintana/ Johnson/ danks(if not traded) rotation is potentially awesome. And a young core of sale, tanaka, Quintana, Johnson, Davidson, eaton, Abreu, Garcia is a very very good core for a long time. Just offer him a 100 million dollar contract for 6-7 years and get it over with.
I’d like to see Sale/Tanaka both in Seattle! 🙂
Gotta dream big
I would rather keep the prospects and go in with Felix/Iwak/Tanaka/Walker/Paxton. Maybe get a bat instead of Sale (who I doubt is available). Need those OF bats….
Walker and paxson is where the talks start from a white sox perspective if you want sale.
It’s about time he meet with MLB teams, I’m getting kind of impatient with this guy.
He is not going to sign until much closer to the January 24th deadline.
I know. lol It just seems like foreeeeever. nothing huge has happened lately.
But that’s now closer than it seems. Just over 2 weeks…
And when he sees how cold it is in Chicago and New York …
welcome to LA baby!!!
Yes because he HAS to live in Chicago during the OFFSEASON!!!!!
don’t worry it’ll warm up in the next few days.
This is actually a very interesting point. This has got to be the worst time in history to do a recruiting pitch in those cities. Although money talks in the end, I cant imagine the cold helps them.
No, can’t you see, I’ve been completely dismissed by 4 people here. And really messed up my overall up/down stats!
By your logic about Chicago in the winter he wil
Only sign with a west coast or southern team. The east coast is going to get hit with what us Midwesterners are dealing with now and knowing the east coast it will be worse when it’s all said and done. Yes it’s cold in Chicago right now. But it’s not like it never gets cold in japan. And it’s not like he is out side. The sox and cubs probably put him up in the best hotels with limo service to and from the meetings.
You don’t play baseball in January, and I doubt he’ll be living here in the off season.
You don’t play baseball in January, and I doubt he’ll be living here in the off season.
Well I’m sorry to break it to you but not everyone likes LA….I for one prefer colder temperatures….
Hate to break it to you, but Japan is not all sun drenched beaches. He plays in Kobe, which has a very similar climate to DC. NYC will be colder, but not unbearable. Minnesota on the other hand….
He played in Sendai, but yeah, similar to DC climate
Chicago ain’t paying 100+ mil, so the weather won’t matter. He’s getting his money no matter where he goes…..we’ll find out soon where he “wants” to be.
Chicago ain’t paying 100+ mil, so the weather won’t matter. He’s getting his money no matter where he goes…..we’ll find out soon where he “wants” to be.
Unless he lived in Northern Japan at any point in his life, and liked it there.
Yeah, it NEVER gets cold in Japan… -_-
Less we forget baseball is played in the Spring, Summer, and early fall.
Seems like he wants to meet with the teams he’s not expecting to sign with first to see what kind of money they are going to throw at him.
He will take those offers to NY (YUCK!), Seattle, and Rangers to get them to match or beat those offers. I’m think it’s down to NY & Seattle, and think Seattle has the edge. But I’m being bias of course being a M’s fan.
If the M’s aren’t “all in” on Tanaka, I really don’t know what the point was of Cano, especially since Franklin was there and proved himself. And to a lesser extent, don’t know what the point of Granderson was for the Mets either. Don’t understand one major signing only, then you scrimp on other positions.
If the M’s aren’t “all in” on Tanaka, I really don’t know what the point was of Cano, especially since Franklin was there and proved himself. And to a lesser extent, don’t know what the point of Granderson was for the Mets either. Don’t understand one major signing only, then you scrimp on other positions.
Franklin didn’t really prove himself. He had a hot start then was destroyed. He struck out like 30% of the time. Not to mention he wasn’t very impressive defensively. It seemed he was always a step away from balls most decent 2b get to. Plus the M’s can trade him to fill in a hole in the OF or something.
I agree, except for the “Yuck” part. I also agree with the fact that NY and Seattle are the two teams most likely to get him. It doesn’t make sense to go to a team you really want first. He’s saving the best for last.
It doesn’t make sense to visit with a team you aren’t interested in either… Do you think there might be a chance that Masahiro Tanaka isn’t sure where he wants to go?
I didn’t say he wasn’t interested in the Cubs. But like GD said, it makes sense to save the teams that are likely to spend more last so you can get a better deal.
….because if he met with the Yankees first, he couldn’t go back to them later after meeting with the Cubs? I was unaware of that negotiating provision.
I didn’t say he couldn’t go back to them, for all we know the cubs could blow the competition away with their first offer. Im just saying it makes sense to save the teams known to have deeper pockets for last. I don’t know how else you want me to word this for you to understand.
I understand what you’re saying. I just completely disagree with it. What you’re suggesting is that Tanaka is letting his market be set by the teams with ‘smaller pockets.’ That’s a terrible negotiating tactic.
Well, we all have different opinions.
It does. When I’m making a choice I still go to a few of the I don’t think so’s. They might surprise you, and they also help you figure out what you are really looking for. This is a place he will be the next 6 years playing for, he should be seeing many teams, trying figure out what is the best spot for him.
I agree, except for the “Yuck” part. I also agree with the fact that NY and Seattle are the two teams most likely to get him. It doesn’t make sense to go to a team you really want first. He’s saving the best for last.
The Cubs should be a contender for a few reasons. 1) the Cubs have no major payroll obligations. 2) he will be guaranteed a number 1 or 2 spot in the rotation and most likely will be the Ace of the staff. 3) he is young enough to be with the team when they are to contend in either 2015 or 2016 when all the young core players for the Cubs are up in the majors.
I understand the Yankees and the Mariners have the money and the talent to contend now but the Yankees have a fairly old team even with the signings of Elsbury and McCann and so do the Mariners. No offense to both teams but the teams will not be as solid contenders in my opinion if they are so old. Im not saying that they wont be good but what i am saying is they are old and injuries happen with age.
This year for the Mariners Zunino and Franklin will be 23, Miller will be 24, Seager and Ackley 26, Smoak and Saunders will be 27, Felix will be 28, Paxton 25, Erasmo 24, Walker 21. Hmmm they have a very old core there.
Sure, Cano will be 31, Iwakuma 33 and Hart will be 32.
for some reason just for how long i have heard the names their i thought they were an older team. but not even on that note do the Mariners even have the funds to pay him. with the huge signing of Cano and now with the league having to approve any major signing i just dont see Tanka going to the Mariners
The M’s just bought Root Sports, their TV network… or at least a big part of it. The rumor is they are getting $2 Bill over 17 years from their new contract. They have the money. These guys aren’t poor. There has been speculation the M’s can take their payroll into the $120 million range. They are at about $85 currently.
Am I the only person who thinks $14M is a little ridiculous for Jimenez?
If you go by FanGraphs, specifically their WAR stat, it kinda makes sense. That’s what I think they’re using to gauge his value. I would go maybe $10 million per for 2 years, 3 at most.
I don’t know … I get that salaries are being inflated, but I think he’s going to have to come down on that demand. $10M is a little more reasonable, but this guy had one fantastic year and a few so-so years. He’s by no means an ace.
I agree with you. In years past he’d be a one-year deal type of guy, but not anymore. I think 10 million a year is fine for him in this market.
It seems outrageous considering how bad he has been for much of the past few seasons, but I don’t think there is any doubt he’s going to get a lot more than a 2 year/$20 million dollar deal. I would guess the floor is 4 years/$50 million (Nolasco money) and the ceiling is probably closer to 5 years/$70 million.
$14MM isn’t ace money on the open market. $22-25MM is. Asking for $14MM per is what an upper- or mid-rotation arm is going to sign for.
I don’t like assigning numbers to starters — it’s so arbitrary — but for the purposes of this debate, Jimenez has ace upside and is asking to be paid like a solid #2/3 starter. His asking price isn’t outlandish. $14MM is less than CJ Wilson got two years ago.
I don’t care what stats say. The eye test tells me Jimenez is a bum with one dominant year and a whole bunch of wild inconsistency. I do not think for a minute he is worth 14 mil per year. The only more overrated FA this offseason IMO is Stephen Drew. That stiff isn’t worth what he’s gonna get paid either. Not by a long shot.
Ervin Santana might be more overrated.
God I want Ervin Santana to stay FAR away from Seattle!
He can pitch a stellar shutout game, but then the next outing give up 8 ERs! I just don’t like his consistency issues.
God I want Ervin Santana to stay FAR away from Seattle!
Texas loved Ervin when he attempted to throw for AA.
I can see a team really getting burned by him. There’s plenty of reasons why no team has been really connected to him all offseason.
More like 2 very good years (2009, 2010) and 3 solid years (2008, 2011, 2013). 31 or more starts for 6 straight years, so he’s durable as well. I’d go 5/60 or maybe 4/50.
Both the stats and the eye test agree with you. I don’t even like his delivery. Jiminez needs to refine his mechanics into something more compact. Just watching his delivery I can see where his problems start.
No, but every single FA starter contract signed this winter has been more than a little ridiculous.
$14MM per for Jimenez sounds fine when you compare it to $11MM per for Kazmir and $8MM per for Hughes.
Or 10 MM for Feldman
No you’re not. In fact I think it’s crazy. But that’s how weak the market is.
I am ok with it. Maybe get him there with incentives, but either way I would be content if my Orioles signed him. Quite frankly, we need him!
I would go 3 years at 12 M per year with a vesting option for a 4th year @ 12 mill. For the most part he has been a TOR arm throughout his career (except for a down 1.5 years since coming over to the AL)
I wouldn’t sign him either but based on his 2013 stats it matches the current $ to WAR market. I doubt he replicates the second half of last season though.
I don’t think 14M is that crazy. Hughes got 8M, and Nolasco got 12M. He is way better than Hughes, and has shown more potential than Nolasco. Teams love to gamble more on the high upside guys.
5.00 ERA and no ablity to keep the ball in the park gets you 8 M, so i agree 14 is a bargain for Jimenez…
It only takes one. If the Yankees lose out on Tanaka they will react like they did in ’04 when they lost Schilling to the Sox and made a quick deal on the next best available. Back then it was a foolish overpay for Kevin Brown and everyone remembers how he was knocked out early in Game 7 against the Sox in the ALCS. He is about as unpopular as A-Rod with Yankee fans today. If I was Ubaldo or one of the other remaining starters I’d be praying for one of the other teams besides the Yanks to get Tanaka. The next call will be from Brian Cashman.
These daily reports are a little out of hand, write when something actually changes
So you’re asking MLBTR to only function about half the time?
Here’s a suggestion: just don’t read the post…
Here’s a suggestion: just don’t read the post…
I say he goes to Yankees Dodgers or Rangers.
M’s have a shot too.
M’s have a shot too.
I hope the Rangers pass on him…don’t see them throwing any more money at big contracts…they have plenty right now!
Yes, but this is a young, pretty well proven healthy guy, so why not try and go in on him?
Those contracts aren’t that big though. And the rewards discount they got with Fielder’s contract gives them more room. If the Rangers got Tanaka, they could potentially have a deadly 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation.
don’t forget Holland who is a sleeping potential #1….they would have a serious 1-3. And i even think so now if Harry comes back healthy.
Cool!!! About time Tanaka started having sit downs with clubs.
Will be fun to see what kind of offers get leaked in the next couple weeks.
I think to sign Jimenez 5 and 65 will get the job done.
In today’s free agent market I expect it.
Latest: 30 Teams Bid 20MM on Tanaka; free to negotiate with all of MLB.
There was no need to ask Schuerholz if the Braves were in on Tanaka. We fans already knew we wouldn’t be in the bidding for a top free agent unless he was a complete bust.
I’m genuinely excited to see who lands this kid. More than that, i hope he ends up being as fun to watch as Darvish has been.
I know their styles are different, but I think Tanaka’s going to be a blast to watch.
Tanaka will sign with the Astros.
I guess we could look at which teams have the biggest need at starting pitching, and also have the money to take on such a contract. The Yankees, of course. The Dodgers don’t really need him, but they still have the money. Rangers have some flexibility and could use a big addition to their rotation. Angels have a combination of need and funds. Mariners could also use some pitching upgrades but in light of recent posts their front office might have to sell it to their ownership. Throw in the Cubs. Throw in the Mets. Who knows? Then, there’s the mystery team. Could be a team none of us predicted. We’ll see.
I honestly think the cubs will be the mystery team. Not sure if they will end up with him. Everyone is counting them out but out of all the big market teams that have said to be ‘in’ on him they probably have the most payroll flexibility (without going over any luxury tax). Not that I think that would stop say the Yankees from going over because I absolutely think they would. But Cubs probably have the mindset that they are hopefully close to calling up their position players that are supposed to make their team young and cost controlled but have no pitching depth besides a few guys in the minors. They will probably pitch the idea of coming to the cubs and instantly being the ace or their staff.
GMs always have to sell big contracts to ownership. Why is that a red flag with the Mariners?
And even though Baltimore could use him, I have a feeling the GM is simply saying, “Nah.”
Tanaka visiting Chicago with the coldest weather in 40 years.
If the Jays ink Jimenez, then by year’s end it’ll be Jimenez throwing to Jimenez. Then we’ll get to hear Buck Martinez mispronounce their names over and over making for some great TV.
Personally I’d love to see the White Sox as dark horses, the Angels as a third evil empire or the Mariners as favorites over the obvious candidates of the Yankees/Dodgers for Tanaka-San. A combo of Sale/Tanaka or Weaver/Tanaka would be pretty fun.
Of the teams with the most money to spend, the Yankees are the most desperate with the most to lose if they don’t get him. That doesn’t mean he’ll sign with New York but the ownership will bid high and either get him or drive the cost into the stratosphere for any team that does. That means any team without a pressing need will likely back away. The Angels have a pressing need + the money so they’ll be in. The Phillies have a pressing need and a very lucrative TV deal so they could be a surprise team. The Rangers are fairly solid without him but are always fighting for media space in Texas so that might be classified at least as a mini-need and they do have the cash to go fairly high.
The Dodgers have a lot of money but the need isn’t as great so I think at some point they’ll back out. The Cubs will likely make a big play if Theo views Tanaka as the centerpiece that he thought Schilling was prior to the 2004 season. It will certainly be interesting to follow.
It was rumored that Tanaka may be raising the 12th man flag in Seattle vs the Saints on Saturday. That would be awesome.