Masahiro Tanaka apparently only has two options on his mind for 2021.
There's a good chance that Tanaka will return to pitch in Japan if the free agent doesn't re-sign with the New York Yankees, a source close to the right-hander told Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media.
Tanaka recently said his chances of returning to Japan are "not zero," he told Nikkan Sports, according to the Japan Times' Jason Coskrey.
The 32-year-old isn't interested in signing with a non-contending team regardless of money, reports Miller, who adds the veteran would like to end his career with the Rakuten Golden Eagles.
He pitched for Rakuten from 2007-2013 before departing for MLB.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman mentioned in mid-December that he has been in touch with Tanaka's agent and would "love" to have him back.
Tanaka went 3-3 with a 3.56 ERA and 4.42 FIP through 10 starts in 2020. The two-time All-Star owns a 78-46 record with a 3.74 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in seven seasons with the Yankees.
