New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka won’t enter the free agency and will remain with the team. This was confirmed by Tanaka in the statement released on Friday.
“I have decided to stay with the Yankees for the next three seasons. It was a simple decision for me as I have truly enjoyed the past four years playing for this organization and for the wonderful fans of New York,” – Tanaka said in the statement. “I’m excited to continue to be a part of this team, and I’m committed to our goal of bringing a World Series Championship back to the Steinbrenner family, the Yankees organization, and the great fans of New York.“
As the part of Tanaka’s seven-year, $155 million deal he signed in 2014, he had an opportunity to opt out of the contract after his fourth year. During his four seasons with the Yankees, Tanaka has 52–28 win-loss record, with 3.56 ERA and 639 strikeouts.
The 2017 season wasn’t the best one for Tanaka since he was 13-12 with a 4.74 ERA. He also allowed 35 home runs during the regular season, which represents a career high. He managed to come back in the postseason, with 0.90 ERA in three starts. It is important to note that Tanaka plays with a tear in the UCL ligament of his right throwing elbow since 2014.
While Tanaka is set to remain with the New York Yankees, manager Joe Girardi won’t. The team has decided to look for another solution on the managerial position and will part ways with Girardi, who was with the team for 10 years and brought the Yankees one World Series title during his tenure. He also managed to lead the Yankees to the American League Championship Series this year. Although the team will take some time before deciding on the new manager, possible candidates include bench coach Rob Thomson and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager Al Pedrique.
