Tokyo, Japan - Masahiro Tanaka, the celebrated pitcher who previously graced the mound for the Rakuten Eagles, has officially announced his transfer to the Yomiuri Giants on December 25, 2023. The announcement took place during the press conference held at a Tokyo hotel, where Tanaka expressed his excitement and determination, stating, "I was really happy to hear about wearing number 11, as I was always fond of pitcher Masaki Saito when I was young.”
The transfer marks Tanaka's return to the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league after facing challenges with injuries and being limited to just one game last season due to recovery from right elbow surgery. Entering his 19th season as a professional, the 36-year-old pitcher is on the brink of the prestigious milestone of 200 career wins, needing just three more victories to reach the significant mark.
Tanaka's contract with the Giants is reportedly valued at 1.6 billion Japanese yen, supplemented by performance bonuses, showcasing the Giants' confidence and high expectations of the pitcher. This one-year deal allows Tanaka the opportunity for redemption after not fulfilling his potential last season due to limited playtime. At the press conference, he expressed hope not only to achieve personal success but also to contribute significantly to his team’s performance, affirming, "The goal is to contribute as much as I can, and I want to pass on my experience to young players.”
Notably, the number Tanaka will wear, '11', has considerable historical weight within the Giants' organization. Former giants of the sport, such as Masaki Saito, known for his illustrious career, and Koji Uehara, have donned this number, setting lofty expectations for Tanaka as he steps onto the field. Fans and team members alike are excited about the potential impact he might have, as it is suggested by Giants manager Abe, who remarked, "I have faith he can achieve at least double-digit wins next season.”
Reflecting on his past with the Eagles, Tanaka acknowledged the emotional complexity of leaving the team he served for many years. He expressed gratitude to the Eagles fans and the organization for their support during his career. ”I have to thank the Eagles fans for their unwavering support throughout my years there. Even though my time there is ending, the things they've done for me will forever resonate with me,” he stated.
For Tanaka, switching to the Giants is not merely about joining another team; it is about reestablishing his identity as one of Japan's premier pitchers under the bright lights of the Giants’ notable past. He emphasized the significant transition this move entailed, saying, “This is not just about changing teams; it’s about taking on new challenges.” Tanaka plans to leverage his extensive experience from both Major League Baseball (MLB) and NPB, refining his skills to meet the high standards set by the Giants.
With expectations riding high and fans already buzzing about the new season, Tanaka's presence brings enthusiasm not just for his performance but also the legacy he aims to build wearing number '11'. He concludes by asserting his commitment, stating, "I want to prove myself and make sure my contributions lead to victories for the Giants next year. That's all it’s about.”
Though the 2024 season is not yet underway, there is no question the anticipation for Tanaka's performance is palpable. With his celebrated past coupled with the aspirations for his future, observers will be closely watching as he embarks on this new chapter, hoping to add to the Giants' storied legacy as they pursue championship glory.
