Rakuten Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka saw his annual salary cut by 45 percent on Sunday to an estimated 260 million yen ($1.77 million) plus incentives for the 2024 season.
The former New York Yankee posted a 7-11 record with a 4.91 ERA in 24 games last year for the Eagles, who were fourth in the Pacific League.
Tanaka has had a losing record in each of his three seasons back in Japan from his seven-year major league stint.
"I haven't been able to produce results, but I believe I still can do well," said the 35-year-old right-hander, who is three wins shy of 200 for his career split between Japan and the majors.
"I'm aware of the expectations from many people. I'll do my best every pitch and each game to reach it (200th win)."
In late October, Tanaka underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean up his right elbow.
Tanaka said his elbow is progressing, and he aims to be in the starting rotation from the beginning of the season.
