Call to the pen
Fansided

Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka’s strangely quiet offseason

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees in action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees in action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

One could argue that Masahiro Tanaka is the second best pitcher available in free agency, trailing only Trevor Bauer in that regard. Understandably, the reigning NL Cy Young winner is getting all of the attention this offseason, between his tweets imploring fans to tell him why he should sign with their team and his YouTube videos chronicling his journey through free agency. He is the biggest domino yet to fall this offseason.

However, there has been little regarding Tanaka’s time in free agency. While major league teams may be interested, they could be waiting for Bauer to sign before pivoting to the Yankees‘ former All Star.

Finding a home for former Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka

Interestingly, most of the rumors about Tanaka involve his returning to Japan. According to reports, he is negotiating with the Rakuten Eagles, with talks supposedly in the late stages.

More Yankees. Tanaka to Japan a real possibility. light

While this does not close the door on Tanaka returning stateside at some point, or even signing with a major league team this offseason, it is an interesting development. He has stated his intention of returning to Japan, and likely the Eagles, to finish out his career before retiring. Should he actually head back home, a return stateside, even next season, is not a given.

It is difficult to imagine that teams would not be interested in Tanaka. While there had been some concerns about his elbow previously, he has put those in the rearview mirror. He has posted a 78-46 record with a 3.74 ERA and a 1.130 WHiP over his seven years in the majors, striking out 991 batters with 208 walks in his 1054.1 innings.

At 32 years old, Tanaka likely has several strong years left ahead of him. His contract demands are not egregious – he is reportedly looking for the same one year deal worth $15 million signed by Charlie Morton. As Morton is both older than Tanaka and had a worse season, it is difficult to argue that he is not worth that type of deal.

The problem is finding a home. The Yankees are seemingly out of the picture, especially as they have added to their rotation. Teams such as the Angels, Blue Jays, Mets, and White Sox could be intriguing options, but all of those franchises have been linked to Bauer as well. Tanaka’s market may not come into focus until Bauer has signed.

Next. Yankees Mount Rushmore. dark

By that point in time, it could be too late. Masahiro Tanaka’s strangely quiet offseason could lead to his departure overseas.

Home/New York Yankees