MLB Rumors: Yankees, Rangers, Dodgers And Cubs Favorites To Land Japanese Star Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka

Despite reports that the Rakuten Golden Eagles were prepared to make 25-year-old pitcher Masahiro Tanaka the highest-paid Japanese pitcher in history, the rising superstar has his sights set on cashing in through Major League Baseball. Officially posted by the Pacific League club earlier this week, Tanaka -- who recorded a 24-0 record with a 1.27 ERA last season for the champion Eagles -- will now become the top priority for multiple teams, especially those with glaring needs in their starting rotations. With previous Japanese League pitchers Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers and free agent Daisuke Matsuzaka enjoying their fair share of success, each team interested in Tanaka hopes to sign the next great Japanese player.

While ball clubs including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies are being considered dark horse candidates, typical big-time spenders are expected to once again be out in full force. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees all reportedly share a strong interest in the pitcher and because these clubs never shy away from dropping big time money, many believe these teams to be among the favorites to land Masahiro Tanaka. New York and Chicago are hoping to experience a return to the postseason in 2014 while the Dodgers and Rangers will look to advance deeper after disappointing results during last season’s playoffs, making the 25-year-old all the more appetizing.

Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu make up a tremendous opening to the Dodgers rotation and with Dan Haren and Josh Beckett in the mix as well, but the addition of Tanaka would only enhance the depth and talent of an already solid starting rotation. Add in the fact that L.A.’s line-up features strong bats in Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez and Yasiel Puig and it comes as no surprise that the Dodgers are interested in landing another major figure. The Yankees top three pitchers -- CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda -- are strong as well but after that the team experiences a drop-off. Unproven commodities in David Phelps, Vidal Nuno and Michael Pineda don’t give the organization loads of confidence, keeping Tanaka a major figure for the Bronx Bombers.

Texas already possesses the latest Japanese star in Yu Darvish but adding a talent like Tanaka to go along with Darvish, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando would undoubtedly improve the Rangers chances of returning to the World Series while the Chicago Cubs would love nothing more than to ignite the fan base with the signing of Tanaka. Adding the superstar in with starters Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood, Edwin Jackson and either Jake Arrieta or Chris Rusin would surely help the Cubs take another step forward.

Clubs will have until Jan. 24 to sign the right-hander and the club that eventually signs the Rakuten Golden Eagles starter will be forced to pay a $20 million release fee.