TOKYO (Kyoyo) -- Former New York Yankees ace and new Yomiuri Giants signee Masahiro Tanaka pledged Wednesday to bounce back from his past four years of struggle with the Rakuten Eagles.

"I want to prove I can still pitch well," the 36-year-old right-hander told his introductory press conference in Tokyo. "I want to contribute to as many wins as possible."

Tanaka is three wins shy of the iconic 200-win milestone in his top-flight pro career, including 78 from his seven-year stint with the Yankees through 2020.

"I won't finish my career with just three more wins," he said.

Tanaka has been 20-33 in Japan since returning to Rakuten from the Yankees. He lost his only start of 2024 on Sept. 28 against the Orix Buffaloes in his comeback game after right elbow surgery.

His decision to leave Rakuten surprised the Japanese baseball world, since he is the biggest star to ever play for the Eagles who entered Nippon Professional Baseball in 2005.

In 2013, Tanaka went 24-0 with a save and a 1.27 ERA in 28 regular-season games and led the Eagles to their first Japan Series championship.

He received an offer with an over 40 percent pay cut from the Pacific League club this offseason.

"I feel honored to wear the uniform of the Giants, the team I've loved since I was a child," Tanaka said.

The Central League champion Giants have been looking to fill the void left by veteran right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who has signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles after leading the CL with 15 wins and a .833 winning percentage this year.