The New York Yankees might find the need to trade ace pitcher Masahiro Tanaka next season. If the Yankees decide to move on from Tanaka, several teams are expected to make a run at the Japanese pitcher.
Tanaka had a solid year during his third season in the Major League. The 28-year-old pitcher went 14-4 in 31 starts for the Yankees with a 3.07 ERA with 165 strikeouts for the Yankees.
If Tanaka manages to maintain his momentum or even have a better year in the upcoming season, the Yankees might have no other choice but to trade him. The three-year veteran could opt out of his contract after next season, which means New York could lose him without getting anything in return.
If the Yankees decide to move Tanaka, the Mariners could be an ideal landing spot for the ace pitcher, Yanks Go Yard reported. The Mariners could beat other interested teams because they have some pieces to convince the Yankees in the negotiation.
Mariners starter Felix Hernandez is expected to become a part of any possible deal between New York and Seattle. The Yankees still need a solid pitcher and Hernandez can still contribute based on his performance last season.
Hernandez was 11-8 in 25 starts last season with a 3.82 ERA with 122 strikekouts. Seattle might also be willing to deal Hernandez for Tanaka, knowing that the latter is younger and costs $5-million cheaper than the former.
It is worth noting, though, that there is a chance Tanaka might be forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. The Japanese superstar has been dealing with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament since his rookie season.
Meanwhile, the Yankees can also decide to trade Tanaka but could chase him again after next season in free agency, Pin Stripe Alley reported. The Yankees successfully did the trick last season and this offseason.
Knowing that they are not in a good position to compete for the title, the Yankees traded star reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. But after Chapman help the Cubs win the World Series last season, the Yankees won the bidding war for the 28-year-old, who had 36 saves and 90 strikeouts last season.