New York Yankees’ most anticipated free agency acquisition during last off-season, starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, proved to be a bust even before the season kicked in. Two days into spring training, he picked up a forearm injury. His chronic back pain relapsed later, as it took Rodon nearly the first half of the 2023 season to debut in pinstripes.
Well, Carlos Rodon eventually made his debut, but disappointment only grew further as the pitcher was all over the place with his fastballs and sinkers. To ensure that history does not repeat itself, the Yankees are reportedly targeting two strong hurlers this off-season, who are, presumably, less prone to injuries.
Starting Pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto & Aaron Nola Emerge As Potential Targets For Yankees!
In the early stages of the off-season, the New York Yankees are making headlines with reports of their ‘early interest’ in Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Philadelphia Phillies’ ace Aaron Nola. The potential pursuit of these talented pitchers suggests that the Yanks are already taking strategic steps to bolster their pitching staff for the coming season. Yamamoto will be posted next week, and the New York Mets are expected to give a proper fight. A lot of teams scouted the ace in Japan earlier this year and left super impressed. He has had a career ERA below 3.00 in over seven years with Orix Buffaloes. Also, the Bronx Bombers have emerged as strong suitors till now.
On the other hand, Aaron Nola, the Phillies ace, has a roller-coaster season in 2023. He stayed healthy and stepped out on the mound 32 times. However, his ERA fluctuated before improving in the postseason. Despite ups and downs, Nola finished the year with a 4.46 ERA, 202 strikeouts, and a 12-9 win-loss record. Having said that, Aaron Nola is a perfect fit for the Yankees. He has enough experience to anchor the rotation of a team like the Yanks. The Phillies do not seem keen on retaining the impending free agency, which is a plus. As fans eagerly await updates on the Yanks’ pursuit of Yamamoto and Nola, the reports signal an exciting start to the off-season narrative. The potential addition of these talented pitchers could significantly impact the Yankees’ fortunes in the upcoming season.
Yanks Announces Fresh Roster Moves Ahead Of Rule 5 Draft!
Weeks before the Rule 5 draft deadline ends, the New York Yankees are on a mission to protect its top prospects. As per Rule 5, players who fail to make it to the 40-man roster by the time of the deadline will be made available for other teams. Thus, the Yanks felt the need to protect a couple of top-tier youngsters and announced fresh moves on Tuesday.
RHP Clayton Beeter and Catcher Agustin Ramirez were moved to the 40-man roster. Interestingly, the Yankees chose to protect only two prospects out of the expanded farm system. As many as four rookies from the top 30 prospect list remain unprotected. The reason behind the pivotal move is still unknown. Hopefully, it does not affect the team in the long run.
