It appeared as though Masahiro Tanaka‘s time in the majors was over. He had signed a two year contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, and as he would be 34 years old when that deal was over, it seemed unlikely that he would return stateside. The former Yankees pitcher had a good run, but it was over.
But that may not be the case. In his introductory press conference with the Eagles, Tanaka stated that he had unfinished business stateside. He also mentioned that there were terms that would allow him to keep his options open so that he could return.
Masahiro Tanaka eyeing a return to the Yankees?
What exactly does this mean? According to the contract terms that had been revealed, Tanaka had signed a two year deal worth approximately $17 million to return to Japan. Based on his comments, it would seem as though there is an opt-out after the first year of the contract.
Tanaka had also been vocal about his desire to remain with the Yankees. Although he rebuffed the idea that he considered the Yankees or Japan as his only options, there was little chatter regarding a landing spot in free agency. While he would have presumably had offers stateside, none of those appeared to be sufficient to get the conversation started.
It is also possible that he could return to New York in 2022. While Tanaka indicated that he had unfinished business, the Yankees indicated the same. General manager Brian Cashman stated that he felt Tanaka was cheated out of a World Series by the Astros in 2017, and left the door open for a reunion in the future.
That reunion could come as early as next year. The Yankees were determined to reset their luxury tax this offseason, and essentially brought in two pitchers – Jameson Taillon and Corey Kluber – at the same price as Tanaka. Based on the economics of the game, that was a move they had to make this offseason.
But the door is not closed on Masahiro Tanaka returning to the New York Yankees. A reunion could occur next year.