Yankees starting pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, 27, said in an interview that he is open, and willing to participate in next year’s WBC representing Samurai Japan, with new team manager Hiroki Kokubo leading the team.

Tanaka appeared in the previous 2 editions of the World Baseball Classic back in year 2009, and 2013… and also said that he is looking forward to represent his country in Baseball’s biggest international sporting event once again.

Via report link above, the Yankees management will not stop their ace starting pitcher’s willingness to play in the World Baseball Classic next year, with Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying regarding about Tanaka’s participation:

“We have nothing to say in that … though he felt healthy and looked fine, we made the correct choice in saying you know what, see you next year in spring, whether it’s going to be in Tampa or in the WBC. We’ll accept, and respect the choice he made.”

Also, according to the report, Dodgers starting putcher Kenta Maeda also expressed interest playing in next year’s WBC representing Japan along with Tanaka, but said winning the postseason first is his top most priority for now.