The Arizona Diamondbacks were as financially competitive in the race to sign Masahiro Tanaka as they could have been, says Kevin Towers.
Arizona reportedly offered Tanaka a six-year, $120 deal. The New York Yankees landed him for another year and an additional $35 million.
"I think we did a very nice job as an organization presenting to them what the Diamondbacks are about," Towers said.
The Diamondbacks presented Paul Goldschmidt as a non-monetary benefit of playing for the club. The first baseman joined executives in a meeting with Tanaka.
"It was very interesting to watch the interaction between Tanaka and Goldy, it was very clear -- even though the language barrier was there -- that Tanaka was impressed that he was there," managing partner Ken Kendrick said.
"And he asked him several questions through the interpreter about our club and about Arizona."