The Toronto Blue Jays have made a massive bid for Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and may have won negotiating rights to sign him, according to a report.
The New York Post says the Jays are believed to have made an offer in excess of $40 million US for Darvish, outbidding the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees.
The Post says the Jays made the bid on orders from Roger Communications. Darvish, a massive star in Japan, could be a marketing goldmine.
The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday EST to accept or reject the highest bid for their star player.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been characteristically mum on the subject. He personally scouted Darvish last year in Japan.
If the Jays won the bid, they would have 30 days to sign the 6'5, 215-pound pitcher to a deal. It is believed Darvish is seeking a five-year, $70-million deal.
Darvish, 25, holds a 93-38 career record with a 1.99 earned run average in the Japanese league.
While unproven in the MLB, Darvish could solidify the top of the Jays rotation, along with ace Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow.
