Masahiro Tanaka, RHP
Traditional Stats: 48 IP, 3.56 ERA, 1.167 WHIP, 44 K, 5.5 K/BB, 1.7 HR/9
Advanced Stats: 0.8 fWAR, 0.7 bWAR, 4.42 FIP
Rundown
Masahiro Tanaka made his professional debut in Japan as an 18-year-old back in 2007. What came next was a remarkable career in the NPB posting a 99-35 record, 2.30 ERA, and 1,238 strikeouts in seven seasons.
This earned him a monster seven-year, $155 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2014 at the age of 25.
While Tanaka never became the consistent ace he was expected to be, he has still been solid in New York tallying a 78-46 record, to go along with a 3.74 ERA, a 1.130 WHIP, and 991 strikeouts in 173 starts (1,054.1 innings).
He has also tapped into a whole new level in the postseason earning the mantra of “playoff Tanaka.” In 54 career October innings, Tanaka has a 5-4 record with a 3.33 ERA and 44 strikeouts.
With his colossal deal expiring after the 2020 season, Tanaka has hit a razor thin starting pitching market in a year, where teams are cutting costs.
Except for the Mets of course, who are now under new ownership via hedge fund titan, Steve Cohen.
The Yankees would be foolish to let their guy go especially with Luis Severino still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
However, the Mets have the money to pry Tanaka away from the Bronx if they choose to do so.
Tanaka will not receive anywhere close to the deal he signed back in 2014, but he has been durable and reliable, which should still earn him a nice figure in free agency.
The veteran has been pitching with a partial tear of his UCL since way back in 2014.
Contract
Tanaka is very comfortable in New York and loves playing for the Yankees. The Bronx Bombers need starting pitching and this will allow Tanaka to hold their feet to the fire for a higher pay day.
I think Tanaka could land a three-year, $45 million deal, likely with the Yankees.
Recommendation
If the Mets miss out on Trevor Bauer, Tanaka would be the next best available option and could be had on a short-term deal if they can make a better offer than the Yankees.
The Mets certainly need to add pitching this offseason, and Tanaka has one of the best track records of any available starter.
