News / Sports
Boston Red Sox Sign Japanese Ace Daisuke Matsuzaka; $52 Million over Six Years
The Boston Red Sox had to wait until the last minute but they finally landed the 26-year-old Daisuke Matsuzaka after a preliminary agreement was made that would pay the Japanese ace $52 million over the next six seasons.
The final agreement is expected to be announced on Thursday after Boston reviews the physical exam Matsuzaka completed on Wednesday.
Boston shelled out $51.11 million just to have exclusive rights in negotiating with Matsuzaka, making the total cost to the Red Sox just over $103 million.
Matsuzaka has a 108-60 record in Japan with a 2.95 ERA and 1,355 strikeouts in 204 games. He was MVP of the inaugural World Baseball Classic last March, won by Japan.
The $52 million deal will be broken down into a $2 million signing bonus and $6 million this season. That will be followed by three years at an $8 million salary and followed by $10 million the final two seasons.
Its not just money that Matsuzaka will receive. His agent, Scott Boras revealed that his new client will receive a massage therapist, physical therapist, interpreter, personal assistant, 80-90 flights over the six years, and housing and transportation arrangements for his wife.
