A's win bidding for Japan's Iwakuma

The Oakland A's have taken another step in filling out one of the game's most intriguing starting rotations, landing Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma with a bid of about $17 million, SI.com has confirmed.

Agent Don Nonura tweeted Monday that the A's had won the services of the 29-year-old right-hander, who has won 44 games over the past three seasons in Japan's Pacific League.

Major League teams had until Saturday to enter the bidding process for the 10-year veteran. With a winning bidder selected, the A's now have 30 days to negoatiate a contract with Iwakuma.