An hour before the final, fans were confused by the shocking news."

More surprising news has been reported than Japan's bid to win all 2024 Premier 12 games. Masahiro Tanaka, a "unbeaten pitcher" who has 78 wins in the Major League and 119 wins in the Japanese professional baseball league, has been released by the Rakuten Golden Eagles. To be exact, Tanaka asked the club to release him, saying he would leave Rakuten and find a new team. If he remained as a member of the team, he could have remained as a "one-team franchise" who played only in Rakuten except for his major league career, but he is taking on a big challenge to extend his active career.먹튀검증

"I decided not to sign a contract with Rakuten next year, but to find a new team," Tanaka said on his YouTube channel on Monday. "I was very happy to return to Sendai (based in Rakuten) in the Major League and play together. They trusted and supported me even when I was in trouble for a long time, and sometimes criticized me. I am very grateful," he said to his teammates and fans.

His destination has yet to be decided. "No one knows where he will play in the next season. Still, I am in good condition right now. I will report it to you when I come to a conclusion," Tanaka said.

With only one appearance this year, he seems to have decided to find a new way to extend his active career. Tanaka returned to Rakuten in 2021 and went 20-33 in 73 games in four years so far this year. He was not the pitcher who commanded Japan with 24 wins and no losses in 28 games in 2013, just before entering the Major League. The season has continued with more losses than wins, and last year, his ERA soared to 4.91 which is the highest since his debut.

Since his debut in the first division in 2007, Tanaka has pitched in 248 games over 11 seasons as a member of Rakuten. His Japanese record stands at 119 wins and 68 losses with a 2.67 ERA. From 2014 to 2020, he signed a seven-year, 155 million-dollar contract with the New York Yankees and played in the Major League Baseball. His Major League record was 78 wins and 46 losses with a 3.74 ERA in 174 games.

Nikkan Sports said, "The shocking news ahead of Japan's world summit led to a series of panicked baseball fans on social media. At 6 p.m., it was reported that Rakuten agreed with Tanaka and decided not to put him on the suspension list. On Twitter, fans said, "The final match of the world tournament begins now, but everyone is enthusiastic about Tanaka and no one is talking about the Premier 12," and "It is just before the Premier 12 final, and Tanaka's release of Rakuten is so shocking."