Tanaka announced Thursday via his personal Twitter account that he agreed to a contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. According to the Kyodo News, Tanaka's contract is a two-year, $17.2 million deal that includes additional incentives.

EDGE Analysis

As anticipated, Tanaka will return to his native country after he couldn't find a deal to his liking in MLB after becoming a free agent this winter. Tanaka's move to Japan officially ends a seven-year run with the Yankees, with whom he went 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA and 8.4 K/9 across 174 outings while picking up two All-Star nods along the way. Given that he'll be 34 years old by the time his deal with the Golden Eagles expires, it's more likely than not that his time in North America is over.

Tanaka is in contract negotiations with his former Nippon Professional League team, the Rakuten Eagles, Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tanaka hasn't drawn nearly as much interest as anticipated from major-league teams so far this offseason in free agency, and it's now been reported that the right-hander is in advanced negotiations with the Eagles. According to Caldera, Tanaka could receive an offer as early as this week. While a return to the major leagues certainly can't be ruled out at this point, it seems as though it's more likely that he ends up in the Nippon Professional League.

Tanaka took the loss during Game 3 of the ALDS against the Rays on Wednesday after surrendering five runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and one walk over four innings.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander generated 11 swinging strikes on 73 pitches, but Kevin Kiermaier's three-run homer during the fourth inning and Randy Arozarena's solo shot in the fifth doomed the outing. Tanaka also struggled in his first postseason start as he gave up six runs against the Indians. The 31-year-old's seven-year, $155 million deal concludes at the end of the season, and he may have made his last start for the Yankees with the team on the brink of elimination.

Tanaka will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Rays on Wednesday, Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tanaka was knocked around by the Indians in his first start of the 2020 postseason, surrendering six runs over four innings of work. Despite a rough showing Thursday, the right-hander was reliable for New York during the regular season, posting a 3.56 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with a 44:8 K:BB across 48 frames. The Yankees will hand the ball to Gerrit Cole in Game 1 and Deivi Garcia in Game 2.

Tanaka was knocked around in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Round against Cleveland, allowing six runs on five hits in four innings, striking out three and walking three.

EDGE Analysis

The Yankees' bats eventually bailed Tanaka out, as New York came back to win 10-9, but it certainly wasn't the performance the Yankees hoped to see from their second starter. Most of the damage was done in the first inning, a frame which saw five Cleveland hitters reach base and four come around to score. He later allowed the first two batters in the fifth inning to reach base, both of whom would come around to score after he was replaced by a reliever. He'll look to rebound in his next outing, which will likely come in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rays on Tuesday.

Tanaka allowed five runs (three earned) on eight hits and three walks across four innings during the Yankees' 14-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The Yankees recorded three errors in the field, which skewed the box score. Nonetheless, Tanaka labored through 91 pitches (55 for strikes). It is an uncharacteristic conclusion to a strong bounce-back campaign for the Japanese 31-year-old. Tanaka finishes with a 3.56 ERA over 48 innings.

Tanaka's next scheduled start has been pushed back a day to Wednesday against Toronto, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tanaka was originally lined up to pitch the second contest of the four-game series Tuesday, but he'll get an extra day of rest and instead start Wednesday. The move was presumably decided upon with an eye toward the Yankees' postseason rotation.

Tanaka (3-2) picked up the win in Thursday's 10-7 victory over the Blue Jays, allowing three runs on seven hits over seven innings. He struck out five without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

The Yankees erupted for five homers and seven runs in the fourth inning, giving Tanaka all the run support he would need. The veteran right-hander will take a 3.27 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 39:5 K:BB through 44 innings into Tuesday's rematch with the Jays in Buffalo.

Tanaka (2-2) picked up the win in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Orioles, allowing one run on three hits over five innings. He struck out five without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

The red-hot DJ Stewart took him deep in the first inning, but otherwise Tanaka was firmly in control, tossing 61 of 91 pitches for strikes. The veteran righty will carry a 3.16 ERA and 34:5 K:BB through 37 innings into his next outing Thursday, at home against the Blue Jays.

Tanaka (1-2) allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings as he was charged with the loss Sunday against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Tanaka was dominant over his past two starts and was rewarded with his first win of 2020 the last time he took the mound. However, he was roughed up early in Sunday's contest, and the Yankees' offense wasn't able to generate much run support, forcing him to settle for his second loss of the year. Tanaka now has a 3.38 ERA and 29:5 K:BB over 32 innings this season. He should get another chance to face the Orioles on Friday at Yankee Stadium.