The New York Yankees are preparing themselves if the bidding for Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka starts to get out of hand. Right now, around four teams are in the mix to land the potential star, but he will not come cheap. As the Yankees aim to stay under a certain luxury-tax number, Ervin Santana has become a backup option.
Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Tanaka's contract could reach upwards of $140 million, not including the $20 million posting fee that was set by the Rakuten Golden Eagles, Tanaka's former team. As of right now, Tanaka is the most sought after pitcher in free agency with the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs are all showing serious interest.
Teams have two weeks to make their bids to Tanaka. Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman has been fixated on landing the pitcher and the extra $27.5 million in saved cap space with the Alex Rodriguez certainly makes them serious contenders. However, the Dodgers have also made it clear that money is no object when it comes to Tanaka and they plan on outbidding anyone that makes an offer.
So what happens if the Yankees get outbid for the pitcher? The team is now considering Santana as a possible option for the rotation. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports New York has requested Santana's medical records to determine his worth.
Prior to Tanaka becoming available, Santana was a top free agent option, but the market has yet to develop with everyone focused on the Japanese star. Santana is looking to command a contract around $112 million. The pitcher's career has been up and down, especially at Yankee stadium. Opponents have batted .343 against Santana in his three starts in the ballpark. New York will still give him a serious look as they aim to sign one more starter whether it is Tanaka or not.
The Baltimore Orioles have also requested the records of Santana. The team is in need of a new pitcher, but will likely be reluctant to meet the contract demands Santana reportedly has. Santana turned down the qualifying offer from the Kansas City Royals and now any team interested will have to give up a draft pick along with a lot of money.
Any free agent pitcher currently waiting for interest from teams will have to wait for Tanaka to decide what his future in the league is. After he signs, the remaining teams that lost out will make a run at who is left. Santana will not get any looks until then.
