The New York Yankees remain interested in bringing back Masahiro Tanaka, but there is a growing possibility that he returns to Japan.
There has been a general lack of news surrounding Masahiro Tanaka to this point. The New York Yankees have reportedly remained interested in his services, but aside from that, there has not been much speculation. The latest rumors were that the Padres were considering Tanaka, and that he was willing to take a one year deal worth $15 million.
At this point, it appears likely that Tanaka will not be returning to the Yankees. In fact, it is becoming more likely that he returns to Japan.
While the Yankees and Masahiro Tanaka are still in contact, there appears to be a good chance he pitches elsewhere. There’s said to be strong interest in Japan, and the likelihood of a much bigger deal there. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 18, 2021
Tanaka himself did not rule out such a possibility. He added fuel to that fire when he indicated that he wanted to return to Nippon Professional Baseball before his career ended, pitching his final games in his home country.
As it is, Tanaka would have plenty of suitors if he decided to return to Japan. Multiple NPB teams are likely to be interested in his services, although he would likely be most interested in a return to the Rakuten Golden Eagles, his team before coming stateside.
It is also possible that major league teams are waiting for the Trevor Bauer domino to fall before pivoting to Tanaka. While other pitchers have signed, they have been in the third or fourth tier at best. Tanaka is probably the second best free agent pitching option available, and will see his market pick up once Bauer is signed.
But he may not want to wait that long. Spring training is getting close, and players are going to need to make plans for that time. As Tanaka continues to languish in free agency, a return to Japan, as unlikely as it seemed months ago, becomes more probable.
It seemed inevitable that Masahiro Tanaka would return to the New York Yankees at the start of free agency. Now, it is becoming more and more likely that he heads back to Japan.