Masahiro Tanaka is officially off the market. The Japanese pitching star signed a seven-year, $155 million contract with the New York Yankees. The 25-year-old right-hander has yet to even throw a pitch in the major leagues, but did go 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Five teams were interested in Tanaka so where does the signing leave them now that the pitcher has signed.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were in hot pursuit of Tanaka from the start. It was reported that the team was willing to do whatever it took to land the pitcher, but apparently that was not enough. The team is still very set on signing one more starting arm for spring training and Bronson Arroyo could be just the guy.
The Dodgers are fresh off signing left-hander Clayton Kershaw to a large seven-year, $215 million deal that locks him in for awhile with the team. However, FOX Sports reports the Dodgers are not done yet. Despite missing out on Tanaka, Arroyo is the first up on a list of potential pitchers.
Arroyo appeals in many ways for interested teams. The Cincinnati Reds did not make a qualifying offer on the pitcher so he would not cost a draft pick for the Dodgers. He has never been on the disabled list, so durability is a huge factor. He has also put up an ERA of below 3.90 in the past four of five seasons.
The only issue in trying to sign Arroyo is the contract demands. The 37-year-old wold ideally likely to land a contract of at least three years with any team. The Dodgers are reportedly only looking to give him two years. That extra year could stall negotiations.
The Dodgers have an impressive rotation already, but Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley are coming off major surgeries and might not be ready to pitch for some time. Currently in the rotaton is Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dan Harren, along with Kershaw.
If Arroyo is not available, there are still a few other options. Several pitchers have been waiting for the Tanaka deal to be finalized so the market can start to heat up around them. Matt Garza is available and the Yankees had shown interest in him. A trade for David Price is certainly an option. Paul Maholm could also be a target.
