TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 30: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles' new pitcher Masahiro Tanaka attends a press conference on January 30, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees are a starting pitcher, several bullpen pieces, and a few powerful lefty bats short thus far in 2021.
They could’ve rectified one of those issues by extending Masahiro Tanaka a short-term contract entering the season.
Instead, the Bombers let their beloved fan favorite walk in the name of the almighty luxury tax.
Consider us among those who thought there was probably an unsentimental way to upgrade Tanaka’s rotation spot while still saving some of the $15 million AAV he reportedly demanded.