MLB Free Agent Rumors 2014 Update: New York Yankees Remain Interested In Masahiro Tanaka

The New York Yankees have made several moves this offseason, but the Yanks are reportedly not done dealing yet as they are still interested in Masahiro Tanaka.

The Yankees let go of Robinson Cano, who signed with the Seattle Mariners earlier this month, but they added players that would make them formidable in the 2014 MLB season -- Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran, and Hiroki Kuroda.

Recently, the Yankees also signed second baseman Brian Roberts to a one-year deal worth $2 million and relief pitcher Matt Thornton to a two-year, $7 million deal.

The New York Post reported that the low-cost signing of Roberts and Thornton could be an indication that the Yankees front office is saving money for another big move before the season, particularly for Tanaka.

The deep-pocketed Yankees were considered one of the frontrunners to sign the Japanese pitcher before the new posting system was agreed upon by the Major League Baseball and the Nippon Professional Baseball.

Under the previous posting system, the Yankees could have received an exclusive right to negotiate with Tanaka because they can offer the biggest bid. But under the new posting system, teams could only bid up to $20 million -- a new ruling that could lead to multiple teams talking to the 25-year-old right-hander.

Although a new posting system was agreed upon, the Yankees are still prepared to compete for the services of Tanaka with reports saying that they are willing to offer a huge amount, even if it would put them over the $189 million luxury-tax threshold next season.

Tanaka, who is expected to demand a contract worth more than $100 million, has informed his Japanese club about his desire to make the big leap to the big leagues.

"I informed my team that I would like them to allow me to test my abilities in Major League Baseball next season," Tanaka said in an Associated Press interview via ESPN.

However, there is speculation that the Rakuten Golden Eagles, who have the right to not post Tanaka, will not allow teams to bring him to United States this season mainly because of the new posting agreement that limited the amount of money the Golden Eagles can get.