The New York Yankees are a dream franchise to play in, for most baseball aspirants. Through their financial prowess and glamorous appeal, the Yankees can elevate a player to superstardom. However, one can’t always live among the Yankees hype, defying all odds. Former Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is a testament to this fact. 

Japanese baseball star Masahiro Tanaka stepped into the MLB arena in 2014. He joined the Yankees by signing a whopping $155 million seven-year term contract. Playing on until the 2020 season, Tanaka decided to return to his native land. 

Since his return to Japan, speculation over his MLB comeback has constantly arisen. However, Tanaka has recently put all those wondering minds to rest with his final decision. As a result, MLB fans have poured in their thoughts on the statement online. 

How did the fans absorb the former New York Yankees star’s decision? 

Masahiro Tanaka has recently declared that he will not be using his International Free Agency Rights. So, Tanaka will continue playing for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the Nippon Pacific Baseball league. Therefore, that is almost a shutout to further alliance with the Yankees. 

Tanaka put out a post in Japanese on his official Twitter account regarding the matter, which translated to English, reads, “I decided to remain with the Eagles next season without exercising my FA rights. Next season, I would like to put my heart and soul into it so that we can win the league title and be number one in Japan.” 

One fan replied to the post by writing, “Sad to not have you back with the Yankees, but I will always root for you as my favorite player.”

One more fan wrote, “Damn we need Masa but good luck.”  

Another fan wrote, “We miss you in NY!! Good luck to you and the Eagles next season!” 

Yet another fan wrote, “No NYY Masa next season too.” 

A few other fan reactions that followed: 

Therefore, as the reactions suggest, Masahiro is a beloved player among Yankees fans. 

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So, despite the disappointment over Masahiro’s decision, the fans have wished the best for him. 

A brief account of Masahiro Tanaka’s baseball career 

Tanaka began his professional baseball career by making his NPB debut with the Eagles in 2007. Boasting a long list of rewards and milestones, he is a seven-time NPB All-Star and won one series championship. On the other hand, while playing for the Yankees, Tanaka became a two-time MLB All-Star player.  

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So, what is your opinion regarding Masahiro Tanaka’s decision?