FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2013 file photo, Rakuten Golden Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka speaks at a press conference after a meeting with his club president, in Sendai, northern Japan. Tanaka’s team says it has decided to let him seek his career in Major League baseball next season, reversing its earlier rejection. Rakuten Eagles president Yozo Tachibana told a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 that it has decided to release him through the posting system. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, File) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT
December 26, 2013 - 7:36 AM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The bidding for Japanese star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has begun.
All 30 major league teams have been notified that the 30-day period to sign the star 25-year-old right-hander began at 8 a.m. EST Thursday, according to Major League Baseball spokesman Michael Teevan. Clubs have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 24 to attempt to reach an agreement with the ace.
If Tanaka and a major league team come to terms, that franchise is required to pay his Japanese club, the Rakuten Eagles, a posting fee, now capped at $20 million under the new deal between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball.
Tanaka went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA with the Eagles during the regular season.
He will be represented by Excel Sports Management during the process.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013