They may be losing Masahiro Tanaka but the Rakuten Golden Eagles are getting Travis Blackley.
It’s not exactly even but the Golden Eagles have signed the left handed Blackey to a one-year deal worth 200 million yen. (roughly $1.91 million USD)
Blackey pitched for the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers in 2013 compiling a 4.83 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over 50 1/3 innings of work.
Once a top prospect out of the Seattle Mariners organization Blackley dealt with arm injuries and had a poor additude early in his career. He eventually has been able to carve out a role as a middle reliever on multiple teams. Had Blackey elected to stay stateside he would have to of settled for a minor league contract.