Starting pitching rotation would be one of the many key areas the New York Yankees would look to address this coming off-season. The rotation lacked consistency and depth throughout the 2023 season, eventually leading to a playoff elimination. While Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon would continue to lead the rotation in 2024 owing to their contract status, the Bombers need reinforcements.
The New York Yankees need a strong arm to anchor the five-man rotation. Michael King is likely to get promoted. Nestor Cortes might also be in the mix. That leaves room for one starting pitcher who will hold a crucial place in the rotation. Recently, the team remained linked to a Japanese phenomenon, and the latest update on his free agency should be a welcoming sight for the Yanks.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Eager To Enter MLB In 2024!
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a right-handed pitcher, has been making waves in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He has a combined ERA of 1.82 across seven seasons in NPB. Moreover, the Japanese ace will be eligible to hit MLB’s free agent market in 2024, which has left the major league buzzing. As per rumors, teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees are expected to take a huge leap for the ace. Yanks, in particular, have remained heavily linked to the right-handed pitcher.
Recently, rumors suggested that Hal Steinbrenner has kept aside close to $200 million for Yoshinobu Yamamoto to lure him into a long-term contract. Well, the recent update from The Athletic’s Will Sammon will surely bring solace to Steinbrenner. Will reported that Yamamoto wants to grab the opportunity to play in a large market and a big league like Major League Baseball. Thus, the pitcher will commit to a big team during upcoming free agency for the right price. Yamamoto’s commitment should further encourage the Yanks to go all in for him. The Japanese ace has the potential and skills to end the team’s pitching woes for the long-term future. He is just 25 and could easily become a generational star with the Bronx Bombers. Thus, the Yanks mustn’t think twice before targeting Yamamoto this winter.
Can Mets Beat Yankees To Lure Yoshinobu Yamamoto?
Needless to say, the New York Yankees’ pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be a tough battle. The competition is going to barge in from all sides, including the city rivals, New York Mets. Recently, a fresh media report suggested that the Mets are heavily interested in Yamamoto. After all, Steve Cohen is renowned for throwing huge bucks at generational stars.
Thus, the fans might get to witness a major battle between the Yankees and Mets this off-season. However, the Mets must move with caution. Apparently, the Yanks have $200 million in the bank, dedicated only to Yoshinobu Yamamoto. That’s the minimum price the Mets would have to beat to lure the Japanese ace. Will Cohen take the plunge or give a free pass to city rival? Only time will tell.
