New York Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka reportedly to receive offer from Japan

While New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka may be one of the most coveted free agents this offseason, his best offer could come from Japan.

The upcoming free agent class has plenty of talent, especially on the pitching side. Although Trevor Bauer may have positioned himself as the top arm available, that next tier of pitchers is still intriguing. New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka finds himself in that second bracket, seemingly assured of receiving a solid contract when he signs.

However, his best offer may not come for a major league team. Tanaka’s former team, the Rakuten Eagles, are looking to bring him back to Japan. According to reports, they are preparing to offer him an impressive $20 to $25 million per year to return to Nippon Professional Baseball.

That type of salary would be unprecedented in Japan. Tomoyuki Sugano is currently the highest paid player in the league, making just under $6 million per year. If these reports are to be believed, the Eagles would annihilate that mark to bring Tanaka back.

Signed to a seven year, $155 million contract after being posted, Tanaka was a solid pitcher for the Yankees. A two time All Star, he posted a 78-46 record with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.130 WHiP. In his 1054.1 innings, he has struck out 991 batters with 208 walks. Tanaka may not have been the ace the Yankees were hoping for, but he has been a solid second starter.

That type of production is certainly going to attract attention in free agency, even if there are some injury concerns. His elbow, particularly a partially torn UCL, is seemingly set to erupt at any time. However, he has had that injury since 2014, and has been able to buck the odds. Any team that signs Tanaka would have to hope for the same luck.

This includes, presumably, the Eagles. As unlikely as such a deal would be, it is possible. The media attention that Tanaka would generate, as well as ticket and jersey sales, could make that deal profitable. A true legend in Japan, he would be returning home with a couple of years of his prime left, making him an actual weapon instead of a nostalgic presence.

The Rakuten Eagles are reportedly set to offer Masahiro Tanaka a record shattering deal to return to Japan. The New York Yankees starter may be coveted by major league organizations, but his best offer may be to go back home.