According to Sanspo.com, Craig Shipley of the Boston Red Sox met with Japanese amateur free agent Junichi Tazawa today and offered him a $6 million contract.
It’s not known whether or not they’ve offered the 22-year old a major league deal or a minor league deal. I’m speculating that is a major league contract given that the Atlanta Braves have already offered him one as well. The Seattle Mariners are also interested in his services.
The teams interested in him do not have to post a fee because he skipped the Japanese draft.
The Red Sox had been the frontrunner to get the young righty but the Braves initial offer jumped them in front. With the Red Sox having Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima, the Red Sox still may hold the advantage especially if they offered him a major league deal.
