The Texas Rangers have submitted the winning bid for Yu Darvish, earning the right to negotiate a contract with the Japanese pitcher.

Major League Baseball announced Monday night that the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan’s Pacific League informed the U.S. commissioner’s office that they have accepted the top bid for Darvish.

The Rangers, who have won the past two AL pennants, have 30 days to sign Darvish to a contract. The 25-year-old right-hander is considered the top pitcher in Japan.

Bidding for the posting fee closed last Wednesday, and the Ham Fighters had until 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday to accept. (AP)