Masashi Tanaka is a Japanese professional baseball player known for his skills as a pitcher. He was born on June 1, 1978, in Osaka, Japan. Tanaka gained international recognition for his impressive performances in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before moving to the Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. In MLB, Tanaka played for the New York Yankees from 2014 to 2020. He quickly became a key player for the team, showcasing his talent in both starting and relief roles. Throughout his career, Tanaka has earned several accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and a reputation as a reliable pitcher.