The Devil Rays won the negotiating rights to Japanese star infielder Akinori Iwamura on Wednesday, submitting a winning bid of about $4.5 million for the power hitter.
The Devil Rays have 30 days to finalize a contract with Iwamura, a six-time Gold Glove third baseman. Tampa Bay vice president Andrew Friedman said Iwamura was also capable of playing the outfield and first and second base.
Devil Rays Win Negotiating Rights To Iwamura