Thanks for the memories, Masa.
Masahiro Tanaka officially announced early Thursday morning New York time that he is returning to Japan, having signed a deal to pitch in 2021 for the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball – who Tweeted a “welcome home” to their “hero”:
Tanaka also took to Twitter to post a goodbye letter to New York fans, saying he was “fortunate for the privilege” of playing for the Yankees and their fans, and thanking them for seven great years:
Tanaka signed a seven-year, $155 million deal prior to the 2014 season, and, despite partially tearing his UCL halfway through his rookie year, completed the deal by making 173 starts (and one relief appearance). Overall, he was 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA in 1054 1/3 innings, and also had a 3.33 ERA in 54 innings over 10 postseason starts.
Prior to coming to New York, Tanaka was Rakuten’s ace, going 99-35 with a 2.29 ERA in 176 games over seven seasons and helping the Golden Eagles win the Japan Series in 2013 before coming stateside.
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