The clock is ticking for teams interested in Japanese right-handed pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka. Several teams have expressed interest in making a run at the potential star and there are two weeks remaining to sign him. Right now, Tanaka is making the rounds and meeting with several clubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers being one of them. Can the team sign Tanaka and still keep Clayton Kershaw?
The Dodgers aim to have the best pitching rotation in the league and if money is no object for club, they will get their wish. While they show interest in Tanaka, the Dodgers also have Kershaw to think about as the pitcher can hit free agency next offseason.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Dodgers are prepared to go "all in" in order to land Tanaka. That could mean spending big bucks. On top of his $20 million posting fee dictated by the Rakuten Golden Eagles, Tanaka is predicted to land a deal in the range of six-years, $100 million by any club interested. After going 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA last season, many believe he is worth it.
The Dodgers' heavy interest in Tanaka could indicate that Kershaw is prepared to walk away in free agency. This could also just be a ploy to get the pitcher to agree to a long-term deal. Whichever way it works out, Tanaka to Los Angeles holds a lot of impact towards the Cy Young winner.
ESPN reported earlier during the 2013 season that the Dodgrs had essentially offered Kershaw a lifetime contract in the range of $300 million. It was being referred to as the "Alex Rodriguez Deal" after the Yankees' star signed a 10-year, $275 million contract to remain with New York. The two sides were unable to finish negotiations as Kershaw was hesitant to commit to a contract of that size.
The Dodgers can sign Tanaka to a large contract and still have plenty of money to offer Kershaw next season. Josh Beckett, Hanley Ramirez, Chad Billingsley, Dan Haren and Brian Wilson will all become free agents next winter, representing plenty of cash off the books.
If Tanaka signs to Los Angeles, the Dodgers pitching rotation could be viewed as unstoppable. The right-hander would join Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Billingsley or Beckett depending on who is healthy after offseason surgeries. That would make the team strong favorites in the 2014 season.
Right now, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners remain the favorites to sign the pitcher. He is rumored to prefer a West Coach team, but the move will likely come down to money.