REPORT: Masahiro Tanaka posted by Rakuten Golden Eagles

Dec 11, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Rakuten Golden Eagles president Yozo Tachibana (right) walks through the lobby during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Tachibana has not decided whether or not to allow

(not pictured) to sign with a MLB team now that Nippon Professional Baseball and the MLB have agreed on a $20 Million maximum posting bid. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Japanese star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka has been posted by the Rakuten Golden Eagles, according to Japanese-language report by Sponichi.

Hernandez, who is the Los Angeles Dodgers beat writer for the Los Angeles Times posted tweets because the Dodgers are one of the top contenders for the Japanese right-hander. The Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and the Cubs are also candidates for Tanaka.

The 6-foot-2, 205 pound Tanaka throws a low-90s fastball and two secondary pitches, including a 70 splitter and a low-to-mid-80s slider and he can also throw a curveball.

The 25-year-old Tanaka represented Japan in the 2013 World Baseball Classic with one start and three relief appearances. He allowed 10 hits and two earned runs with 12 strikeouts and no walks over seven innings.

Co-editor Jacob Misener delved into what the right-hander’s contract could look like in a recent post.

"Tanaka is likely to receive seven to eight years with an AAV of approximately $13 to 16 million – much higher than other starters on the open market. This would make the final deal near $100 million, a major financial commitment for any team, especially for a player with no Major League Baseball experience.The Cubs could easily manage such a deal, and Tanaka could be a major asset in the coming years as Chicago’s top young talent begins to make their way to Wrigley."

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