Report: Tanaka seeking 1-year deal in $15-$20M range
Masahiro Tanaka's next contract could be a short one.
The free-agent right-hander is seeking a one-year contract in the $15-million to $20-million range, sources told SNY's Andy Martino.
Tanaka remains one of the top starters available this winter, although it's unclear how big his market is at this point.
A long-shot reunion with the New York Yankees, where he's spent all seven of his major-league seasons, grew even more unlikely Friday once the team reportedly agreed to terms with former two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. The Yankees are unlikely to spend above the luxury tax - Kluber's deal, along with infielder DJ LeMahieu's new $90-million contract, will take their payroll just below the tax line - and Kluber is essentially taking Tanaka's spot in the rotation.
The San Diego Padres - who have already added several high-profile arms this winter, including another Japanese star in Yu Darvish - have also been connected to Tanaka. While the Padres and Tanaka continue to talk, negotiations between the sides haven't progressed, sources told Martino.
A return to his native Japan remains in play if Tanaka can't find another contract to his liking.
Tanaka owns a 3.74 ERA with 991 strikeouts over his seven major-league seasons.