Former New York Yankees Ace Moves Closer to Big Milestone While Playing in Japan

Tanaka is now in his 19th professional season between his 12 years in the NPB and seven in the majors with the Yankees.

He came to the Yankees in the 2014 season, staying through the COVID 2020 season. In the majors, he went 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA, helping the Yankees to the ALCS in 2017. Tanaka was a two-time All-Star in the States and also received Cy Young votes in 2016.

Tanaka is just one of several Japanese players to come to the United States and have success during the 2000s. Ichiro Suzuki, Kaz Sasaki, Hideki Matsui and Shohei Ohtani are just some of the names, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki also working to establish themselves now.

Tanaka made only six appearances in 2024 for Rakuten, with only one of those coming for their true NPB affiliate.

If he stays healthy, it seems likely that Tanaka will hit the 200-win mark this season. Now 36, it's unclear how long he wants to keep playing for, but he could have a chance to chase more milestones if he desires. He has thrown nearly 2,900 professional innings in his life.