Cashman said that the $26 million bid was more reflective of the free-agent market in the United States than of the team's evaluation of Igawa. The GM also pointed out that every dollar the Yankees spend on the free-agent market costs them $1.40 with the luxury tax, while the posting fee is not counted against the tax.
"We feel he can fit in the back of our rotation," Cashman said. "We think he can be a quality, left-handed Major League starter."