The Angels reportedly are in the running for Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka.
With a closed bid Wednesday, the club entered the competition for exclusive negotiating rights to the right-hander. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the Angels joined the Yankees and Rangers, two clubs that have confirmed making bids, and possibly the Mets, Red Sox, Cubs and Diamondbacks.
Matsuzaka became a free agent through the posting process in which Major League Baseball teams made sealed bids.
The winning bid could be announced as soon as Monday, and the price tag is expected to be steep. Some reports have a total cost for Matsuzaka, who is represented by Scott Boras, reaching as high as $100 million. Bids have been estimated to range from $22 million to $45 million.
The buzz surrounding Matsuzaka has been considerable. The 26-year-old pitcher was the MVP of the World Baseball Classic in March and went 17-5 with 2.13 ERA with the Seibu Lions.
Offense has been the key word with the Angels as the offseason market opens in earnest, but adding Matsuzaka to a rotation that is already one of baseball's best could make acquiring a bat that much easier.
The Angels shopped Ervin Santana last July, and another starter would allow the club to package Santana for a player like Vernon Wells, who could play center field and add depth to the middle of the lineup. The Angels have also targeted third and first base to be upgraded this winter.
If the Angels place the highest bid and it is accepted by the Lions, they will have 30 days to negotiate with Boras and Matsuzaka. If they are unable to negotiate a contract, their bid will be refunded and the pitcher will return to the Lions. No other Major League team will be able to negotiate a contract.
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Angels make reported run for Matsuzaka
Angels make reported run for Matsuzaka
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