NEW YORK -- After missing out on Daisuke Matsuzaka earlier this month, the Yankees made sure not to let history repeat itself when Kei Igawa became available via the posting system. The Yankees had won the rights to the Japanese left-hander, who has pitched the past eight seasons for the Hanshin Tigers, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday night.
Reports put the winning bid at $25 million, which would be less than half of the $51.1 million it cost the Red Sox to acquire the rights to Matsuzaka. The Yankees would only pay Hanshin the $25 million if they sign Igawa to a contract.
The Yankees have 30 days to come to terms with Igawa, who is represented by Arn Tellem. Tellem represents several members of the Yankees, including Hideki Matsui, Mike Mussina and Jason Giambi.