Masahiro Tanaka Tells Fans on Twitter That He’s Leaving the Yankees; Heading Back to Old Team in Japan

By: TJVNews.com

Looks like there is a roster change in the New York Yankees organization.   Right handed pitcher Masahiro Tanaka announced on Twitter that he would be spending the upcoming season with his former team in Japan, known as the Rakuten Eagles.

For their part, the Yankees had a keen interest in retaining Tanaka, according to a report in the NY Post, however their main priority was to keep DJ LeMahieu on board, so they cut a six year $90 million deal to keep the infielder on the team.

Upon learning that Tanaka will not be in the lineup this spring. LeMahieu said during a Zoom call after his official re-signing with the Bronx Bombers that Tanaka will be missed, as was reported by the New York Post.

“I just wanted to mention what a great teammate he’s been and what an impact he’s had on the Yankees and the city,” LeMahieu said, according to the Post report. “Obviously, I wish him well and will be following him. As exciting as it is to stay with the Yankees, I’m disappointed I’m not gonna be playing with him anymore.”

Because the Yankees wanted to stay under the $210 million luxury-tax threshold, they chose to elicit the services of a pair of skilled right handers as that would cost them less money than what Tanaka was charging them.

Coming off of the disabled list due to significant injuries, the Yankees signed Corey Kluber on a one-year, $11 million deal and traded four prospects to Pittsburgh in exchange for Jameson Taillon, according to the Post report.

These new picks will be counted on to perform for the Bombers in addition to Jordan Montgomery and some combination of Domingo German, Deivi Garcia and Clarke Schmidt, as was reported by the Post. Luis Severino is due back from Tommy John surgery in midseason.

Throughout his seven year contract, Tanaka was considered a major pitching asset for the Yankees. The deal that the team made for him cost them $155 million, so they consider it a successful investment. During his first season, Tanaka suffered a partially torn UCL but bounced back and was a highly effective player.

The Post reported that in a statement posted on Twitter in English, Tanaka thanked fans “for all the love and support you have given me for the past seven seasons. I feel extremely fortunate for having the opportunity to take the field as a member of the New York Yankees and play in front of all you passionate fans. It has been an honor and a privilege!”

He finished his Yankees career 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA and, until recently, was superb in the playoffs, according to the Post report.