After over a month of negotiating behind closed doors, the Texas Rangers are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Yu Darvish on a deal that would bring the 25-year old Japanese pitcher to Arlington:
While very little of the negotiations have leaked out, most people within baseball have expected both sides to come to an agreement.
Texas didn't post a record $51.7 million fee to Darvish's club if they didn't believe he would be able to make the transition to the States, while Darvish would not put himself through the media circus of leaving Japan unless he was serious about playing in MLB.
Over the last week, the Rangers have been talking with representatives for Milwaukee Brewers free agent Prince Fielder as a Plan B if the Darvish talks fall apart, as it's unlikely the team would spend the over $200 million in guaranteed money it would take to sign both stars.