MASAHIRO TANAKA, RHP
Status: Free agent.
Age: 32 (33 on Nov. 1, 2021).
2020 stats: Yankees, 3-3, 3.56 ERA, 10 starts, 48 IP, 48 hits, 25 runs, 19 ER, 9 HR, 8 BB, 44 K.
The latest: There’s a good chance that Tanaka will either re-sign with the Yankees or play in Japan next season for his old Pacific League team, a source close to the pitcher told NJ Advance Media. The source, who didn’t want his name made public, added that Tanaka wants to return to the Yankees and isn’t interested in playing for a team that won’t contend next season, regardless of money. The source added that it’s unlikely Tanaka will sign with the Angels, who already have fellow Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, a pitcher/designated hitter. Also, the source stated Tanaka has had plans for years to end his playing career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, his club from 2007-13. Tanaka was good to very good in five of his seven seasons with the Yankees, going 78-46 and a 3.74 ERA pitching with a $155-million contract from 2014-20. Tanaka’s average salary in his last pact surpassed $22M. If he returns to the Yanks, he’ll probably to have to settle for a one- or two-year deal for around $12M annually tops.
https://www.nj.com/yankees/2020/12/m...er-update.html