Masahiro Tanaka played for the New York Yankees from 2014 to 2020. During his tenure, he became a fan favorite and a vital part of the team’s pitching rotation. He recorded a total of 991 strikeouts in his time with the team, including a career-high 194 in 2017. The Japanese national had a lot of potential and was just rising through the rank when he called it quits.
After his contract expired in 2020, Masahiro Tanaka did not re-sign with the Yankees. He moved back to his hometown in Japan to represent Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Initial reports suggested Tanaka was worried about discrimination towards the Asian community after the Covid Pandemic. He apparently feared for the life of his family. However, the pitcher spoke with NJ.com and said the Yankees did not offer him any extension contract. Hence he stepped away from MLB. Now, as Tanaka has hit another milestone in his career, the fans want him back.
Yankees Fans Call For Masahiro Tanaka’s Inclusion After The Latter Unlocks Another Achievement
Masahiro Tanak was indeed a player to look out for during his stay with the New York Yankees. Hence, his departure after the 2020 season came as a shock to many. Multiple rumors regarding the reason for his ouster surfaced online. But Tanaka stayed unfazed by all and worked hard in Japanese Professional baseball playing for the Golden Eagles. On April 21, 2022, Masahiro Tanaka, former pitcher for the New York Yankees, reached a significant career milestone. He recorded his 2,500th career strikeout across Japan and US. The achievement sparked renewed interest among Yankees fans, who have been calling for Tanaka’s return to the team.
The Yankees’ pitching staff is in a dire state, with 2/3rd of the depth spending time on the IL. Hence, Masahiro Tanak’s addition would undoubtedly boost the rotation. Despite the fan support, it’s unlikely that Tanaka will return to the Yankees anytime soon. He is currently under contract with the Rakuten Eagles. Moreover, the Yankees have already made significant investments in their pitching rotation. They signed Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract this off-season. Regardless of whether Tanaka returns to the Yankees or not, his achievement of 2,500 career strikeouts is a testament to his talent and dedication as a pitcher.
Masahiro Tanka Is A Perfect Like To Like Replacement For Frankie Montas
Earlier, before spring, the Yankees announced that Frankie Montas, the fifth starter, would undergo surgery for a shoulder injury. And miss significant game time in the 2023 season. Just then, Thomas Carannante of Yanks Go Yard raised an opinion calling for Tanaka’s inclusion as a replacement for Montas. He said the front office had messed up hard during last-end trades in November, which was hurting them a lot.
Hence, Thomas called for Tanaka’s trade. The writer pointed out that Tanka’s postseason stats are better than any pitcher currently in the clubhouse. Not only that, but he also remained one of the go-to pitchers for the Yankees during his tenure. Hence, the Japanese national is the answer the Yankees seek to curb the pitching issues this season.
