The New York Yankees’ offseason was mostly very boring and dry except for the one big goal that they did accomplish: signing Gerrit Cole. Yankee fans were more than excited when they learned that Cole will be pitching in pinstripes this season, and so were the players. Masahiro Tanaka spoke about his feelings on Cole being signed to the club:
“Definitely huge plus for the team,” Tanaka said. “And I think it’ll be a big plus for me as well. You know, just being able to see a pitcher of that caliber closely. See what he does. How he goes about his stuff. I think that I will benefit from that as well.”
Tanaka has been exceptional for the Yankees ever since he joined in 2014. During his six years with the club, Tanka is credited to a career 75-43 record and holds a career 3.75 ERA. He has yet to have a losing year, never going under .500 in his record each season.
Even though Tanaka has been great for the New York Yankees, especially during the postseason, he’s looking forward to learning from Cole and using what he learns to advance his own game.
“I’m looking forward to it … you know you always learn something new from somebody new,” said Tanaka. “I think there’s (an) opportunity with that here with Matt. So I’m really looking forward (to) working with him.”
Ever since the James Paxton news came out about him missing three to four months, Tanaka will now be moved up to the three spot in the rotation.