Should New York Resign Masahiro Tanaka Who Becomes A Free Agent After The Season Is Over?
Masahiro Tanaka arrived in the United States in 2014!
From where?
Japan where he played for Major League Baseball (MLB). From 2007 through 2013, he played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Nippon Professional Baseball's (NPB) Pacific League. Tanaka was posted by the Eagles after the 2013 season to be signed by an American team;
Since arriving from Japan in 2014 Masahiro Tanaka has been a member of New York’s starting rotation!
In 2014 the Japanese right handed pitcher finished with a record of 13-5 with an earn run average of 2.77.
In 2015 Masahiro Tanaka finished with a record of 12-7 with an earn run average of 3.51.
In 2016 Masahiro Tanaka finished with a record of 14-4 with an earn run average of 3.07.
In 2017 Masahiro Tanaka finished with a record of 13-12 with an earn run average of 4.74.
In 2018 Masahiro Tanaka finished with a record of 12-6 with an earn run average of 3.75.
In 2019 he finished with a record of 11-9 with an earn run average of 4.49.
In 2020 which is the final year of seven year contract 155,000,000 contract with the team that wears the pinstripes he finished the regular season with a record of 3-3 with an earn run average of 3.56. “according to https://www.mlb.com/player/masahiro-tanaka-547888
Because this is his final season of his contract should New York consider resigning the Japanese right hander?
I think that should be a priority during offseason for Brian Cashman who is the general manager!
Why?
Because during this unique 2020 season New York has had to deal with injuries to their starting rotation!
Specifically,
James Paxton who is out for the season before he becomes a free agent!
Why?
Because he is out with a strained left flexor tendon! “according to an article by the Associated Press on espn.com
With the injures to the starting rotation this year you want a pitcher who is reliable and who can possibly make every start and who can be at the top of New York’s starting rotation along with Gerrit Cole and who can give you an opportunity to win games each time he steps out on the mound for a start going forward!
Masahiro Tanaka has a tendency to give up home runs during a game but I still feel he could be an important part of New York’s starting rotation if Brian Cashman and the organization could come to an agreement on a new contract during the offseason.
Why?
Because I feel New York needs another reliable pitcher at the top of the starting rotation other then Gerrit Cole that will give them the opportunity to win games!