Seven years ago, the New York Yankees stole all the headlines for completing the signing of Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka. Fast-forward to this day, and the starting pitcher may be on the verge of his last days with the organization that made him an MLB standout.
Masahiro Tanaka took the mound on Wednesday for the last time in the regular season to face the Toronto Blue Jays but was whopped for 8 hits and 5 runs (3 earned) in just 4.0 innings, bringing his record to 3-3 with a 3.56 ERA.
The Japanese righty was clearly upset about his final tuneup ahead of the postseason but what truly worried Yankees fans is the fact that it seems like he’s bidding farewell to the organization.
Is Masahiro Tanaka Saying Goodbye?
Masahiro Tanaka posted throwback on Instagram wearing an old Majestic Yankees jersey from the day he signed his 7-year contract, stating that his deal ran over and that he was looking forward to being better in the playoffs. Then, he tweeted a message that looked like a goodbye:
“In 2020, and with a 7-year contract, I have pitched for the last time in the regular season. The result was disappointing. However, I still have a chance to start over in the playoffs, so I would like to make adjustments from tomorrow! I would like to look back on it after the season is over,” Tanaka tweeted.
The Japanese also told Bryan Hoch that he thought about that being his final regular season start with the Yankees organization when he was warming up, which may have caused that poor outing.
Tanaka has been by far the most dominant and reliable pitcher over this 7-year span, especially in the playoffs. Thus far, he holds a 78-46 record with a 3.74 ERA, 991 strikeouts, and a 1.130 WHIP in 174 games (173 starts) for the Bronx Bombers.
