Step by step, the MLB offseason riddle is beginning to come together as the game's top remaining players pick landing spots.
A few major pieces of the puzzle were configured, which should expedite the process for remaining free agents. Masahiro Tanaka chose a massive $155 million deal from the New York Yankees, and the Milwaukee Brewers landed Matt Garza for an affordable $50 million over four years.
Grant Balfour, whose earlier deal with the Baltimore Orioles fell through due to a faulty physical, will now attempt to become the next signed reliever the Tampa Bay Rays magically turn into Mariano Rivera.
Now that those three pitchers have signed on the dotted line, the list of available hurlers is dwindling, which amplifies the pressure for players and teams alike to make a move.
The Tanaka signing also springs the Yankees payroll over the targeted $189 luxury threshold, so the cost-conscious club may now revert to the free-spending Evil Empire we've all come to loathe.
Let's scour the hot stove and examine some of the league's loudest noise.
Note: Contract information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts.
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