They have a great offensive core with Fernando Tatís Jr, Manny Machado, and even Jake Cronnenworth. Last year, they acquired Mike Clevinger to bolster an already solid starting rotation, and have recently traded for both Yu Darvish and Blake Snell.

However, they know that they have to be flawless if they want to dethrone divisional rival Los Angeles Dodgers, and that’s why the Friars are reportedly interested in signing yet another starting pitcher.

San Diego Padres Could Sign Masahiro Tanaka

That’s why, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the San Diego Padres are doing their due diligence in former New York Yankees star Masahiro Tanaka, who’s now a free agent.

Tanaka was one of the most consistent pitchers the Yankees had over the past decade, especially when it comes to the playoffs. Now, however, the Pinstripers aren’t expected to bring him back as they look to cut expenses.

With Mike Clevinger set to miss the whole season with a Tommy John surgery, the Padres feel like they could still need another starter beside Dinelson Lamet, and Tanaka may provide them just the experience they need at a fair price.

Tanaka also reacted to the rumors that claim that he was going back to Japan if he didn’t resign with the Yankees, stating that he’s going to play for whoever team is interested in acquiring his services.

“Some media outlets have reported that they have no choice but to play for the Yankees or Japan about their future, but that’s not the case. At this stage, we are not limiting the teams we want to play next season, but we are thinking from all the teams that are interested in us,” the Japanese said.

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.