What does seven seasons posting a 99-35 record and a 2.35 ERA get you? In the case of Masahiro Tanaka, a seven-year, $155 million contract to play for the New York Yankees and bid farewell to Rakuten Golden Eagles of the JPPL. Tanaka was simply the best pitcher in Japan and worth the risk.
What does nine seasons posting a 103-62 record and a 2.89 ERA get you? In the case of Chris Sale, a five-year, $145 million contract extension signed before the start of the 2019 season. Sale was simply one of the best in MLB at his particular craft known as pitching a small white sphere with exceptional velocity and control.