From next week when pitchers and catchers report to Tampa until mid-November’s offseason, the Yankees will have little interest in discussing Masahiro Tanaka’s future in New York.
Those feelings appear to be reciprocated, according to the right-hander.
“Obviously, I’m aware of what my contract says,” Tanaka said through a translator to Dan Martin of the New York Post on Wednesday at the Yankees minor league complex. “But it’s something I put aside going into the season.”
The 28-year-old, who still has three years and $67 million remaining on his contract, is allowed to opt out of his deal after the 2017 season. If he chooses that route, he will become a free agent.
“You can’t really be thinking about that [opt-out] while you go through the season,” Tanaka said. “I’m really focused on this season. When the time comes after the season, then I’ll probably have a chance to think about that more.”
The likelihood of Tanaka testing the market will be dependent upon his own health. Despite avoiding Tommy John Surgery in 2015, the Yankees’ ace still has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow. He managed to stay intact all of last season, finishing 14-4 with a 3.07 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 199.2 innings (31 starts).
His current health made him choose team over country this winter, as he decided not to pitch for Japan in this spring’s World Baseball Classic. Tanaka is currently in Tampa, working in bullpen sessions with pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
“I was able to go through a full season, finally, last year,” Tanaka said. “I understand what the team is looking for from me, and I think the important part is to try to be healthy throughout the season and be able to contribute one full season. That part is probably most important.
“I went out there and threw with some force. I feel good with where I’m at right now. I feel a little bit ahead of schedule compared to last year.”
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Carter signing hasn’t changed Greg Bird’s mentality
The Yankees still plan to have youngsters Greg Bird and Tyler Austin compete for a big league roster spot this spring, but with the recent addition of free agent slugger Chris Carter, the stakes for the starting gig at first base are considerably higher.
“I have to earn it,” Bird told the Post. “I think you always have to earn it. Coming into 2015, my goal was to make the team. Obviously, [Teixeira] was there, but my mentality was to make the team and do my job and show them what I have. And that will be [my approach] this spring.
“I think we’re happy to have [Carter], honestly. It’s another big bat and a good bat. I think he can bring a lot to the table. I’m excited to meet him.”
The 24-year-old lefty, who underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last February, saw 178 plate appearances as a rookie in 2015, hitting 11 home runs and 31 RBI during August and September. He returned to the field last November in the Arizona Fall League, but hit just one homer in 65-at bats.
“It was 12 months, but it felt like two years,” Bird said of his recovery period. “It was a long time, but this is what I was preparing for. I’m excited to get back to playing, get back into a baseball atmosphere. I missed a whole year. I have to prove to them that I can play again and play at a high level and be a quality part of the team.”
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A-Rod addresses career mistakes to his daughters
Whether there was drama on the field or off, it took Alex Rodriguez some time to atone for his wrongdoings. Just recently, Rodriguez opened up to his daughters about his checkered 21-year career.
“It took me four months to build up the courage to tell my daughters about my mistakes,” Rodriguez told Hall of Famer broadcaster Dick Stockton on his new podcast, which debuts on Feb. 14. “Looking back, the suspension (from baseball for the 2014 season) was a pivotal turning point in my life.”
Rodriguez, 41, abruptly retired last August, and is currently assigned to report to spring training as one of the Yankees’ instructors. The remaining $21 million on his contract will be paid for by the club while Rodriguez works two separate stints in Tampa.
“You don’t need to be defined by your mistakes; it’s how you handle them,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like I’m still rounding first base.”
If you want to connect with Tom Hanslin, email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @tomhanslin.
