It’s the final week before the Christmas break, and the New York Yankees are still mulling a couple of more additions to the 2024 season roster. This year’s off-season has been a happening one for the Bronx Bombers as the abysmal 2023 season called for imminent changes. Subsequently, the team made big moves.
Superstar Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo remained the high-end outfield reinforcements. A couple of pitching reinforcements were also added. However, the team is missing a few pieces in the rotation. Thus, ahead of the extended winter break, here are three big predictions with regard to New York Yankees’ winter shopping.
Yankees Lock Yoshinobu Yamamoto In A 10-Year Contract
The factor keeping the New York Yankees from initiating big moves this off-season is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Yanks have expressed genuine interest, but the ace pitcher continue to play a notorious chasing game. Having said that, as per industry rumors, the Bombers stand a real chance at landing Yamamoto. If they do, we expect Yamamoto’s final contract to range around $280 million for a 10-year span with options of an additional two years, thus making it a 12-year $336 million deal. Having said that, the Japanese ace seems unlikely to reach a consensus before his January 4 deadline owing to high demand.
Reunite With Frankie Montas
Frankie Montas was categorized as a bust as he could pitch only eight starts in his year-and-a-half tenure with the Yankees. Montas joined forces after a trade with Athletics came through. However, a shoulder injury worsened into arthroscopic surgery, which ruled the pitcher out of the 2023 season. While the starter did pull off a miraculous comeback in the final series, the pitcher has failed to leave a big impact. Having said that, the Bronx Bombers are running out of options. If Yamamoto’s pursuit falls apart, the Yanks can perhaps seek a short-term extension with Montas. The pitcher is just 31 and, when healthy, could be an impact force.
Yankees Consider Short-Term Commitment With Liam Hendricks
The New York Yankees vocalized its support for Liam Hendricks last year when the pitcher battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The veteran ace pitcher is a three-time all-star and a 12-year MLB veteran. Hendricks had a slow start to the 2023 season before a Tommy John surgery eventually ruled him out. Having said that, Liam expects to resume pitching duties by mid-2024 season. Known for his electric fastball and proven track record of late-game dominance, Hendriks would bring a formidable presence to the back end of the Yanks’ pitching staff. Thus, a short-term year deal with options could benefit both parties.
Yankees 2024 Season Roster Projections!
Starting Rotation
RH Gerrit Cole, RH Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LH Carlos Rodon, LH Nestor Cortes, RH Clarke Schmidt/Frankie Montas
Relievers
Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle, Jonathan Loaisiga, Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, Victor Gonzalez, Nick Ramirez. (Liam Hendriks begins on IL)
Infielders
Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Volpe, DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera.
Outfielders
Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, Giancarlo Stanton.
Catchers
Jose Trevino, Austin Wells.