Japanese ace Tanaka says Yankees wanted him most

TOKYO (AP) Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka says he chose to play for the New York Yankees because they appreciated him the most.

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Speaking on Thursday in Japan after agreeing a $155 million, seven-year deal with the Yankees, Tanaka said "they gave me the highest evaluation and are a world-famous team."

Tanaka said he was "relieved" the deal was done and looked forward to standing on the mound at Yankee Stadium.

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In addition to the personal deal with Tanaka, the Yankees must pay a $20 million fee to his Japanese team, the Rakuten Eagles.

His agreement calls for $22 million in each of the first six seasons and $23 million in 2020, and it allows him to terminate the deal after the 2017 season and become a free agent.