Reports: Yankees Among The First Teams To Contact Tanaka's Reps
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees are among the first MLB clubs to reach out to Masahiro Tanaka's representatives, according to multiple reports.
The prized 25-year-old Japanese ace went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA as a member of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2013.
Currently, CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda are the only starters believed to be locks for the Yankees' 2014 rotation.
The Bronx Bombers have already committed over $300 million in their offseason spending spree. Tanaka would make an ideal addition to the Yankees' rotation that requires an upgrade. He was a career 2.30 ERA pitcher in Japan and led the Golden Eagles to a Japan Series title.
Should the Yankees sign Tanaka, they would abandon their plans to keep their 2014 payroll below the $189 luxury tax threshold.
The 30-day posting period began on Thursday. Tanaka has until 5 pm. on January 24 to agree a contract with a major league team.
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