With posting agreement, Masahiro Tanaka decision next

Paul White | USA TODAY Sports

One of the most significant deals of this offseason was completed Monday and no player changed addresses.

A new posting agreement between Major League Baseball and NPB, the governing body of Japanese baseball, is in effect and its ramifications affect every starting pitcher on the free agent market.

The anticipated move of star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka from the Japanese champion Rakuten Golden Eagles has been waiting from approval of the new rules but the details of those rules have created at least some question about how soon MLB teams will be able to bid on the 25-year-old.

Rakuten officials have backed off their apparent willingness to post Tanaka now that they'll receive only $20 million from the team that can successfully sign him. Prior to Monday's agreement, there was no limit on the payment – it was simply the highest bid submitted for exclusive negotiating rights. Now, the maximum bid is $20 million and any team that ties for the highest bid can negotiate with the player.

Chances are that many teams will bid the max for an elite player such as Tanaka.

Rakuten officials have said they'd honor a request from Tanaka to be posted but now wonder if they're better off getting another season from him before posting.

If Tanaka stays in Japan, pitchers such as Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Garza clearly are at the head of this year's free agent class.

Rakuten officials said last week that they'll meet with Tanaka before making a decision.