The New York Yankees have been one of the most active teams in the ongoing off-season. It goes without saying that the roster changes were the need of the hour owing to the 82-80 record lost in the 2023 season. Moreover, the front office led by Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone felt a sense of responsibility and thus acted upon the same at the right time.
Last week, during winter meetings, the Yankees made its first big move of the off-season. After days of speculations and uncertainties, the Bronx Bombers landed Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres via a blockbuster trade deal. Meanwhile, the next big target in line is Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While the team is expected to meet the pitcher soon, there has been a big development regarding the venue.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto To Meet Yankees In Los Angeles This Week!
Japanese ace starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has made headlines ever since he got posted last month. Almost every second team wants to have a three-time MVP on their fold. However, the bidding was expected to come down to the New York City rivals, the Yankees and the Mets. While the Mets already met the ace in a surprise visit to Japan, the Bronx Bombers could likely sit down with Yamamoto this week. However, there has been a sudden change in the venue, as Yamamoto is apparently calling the shots. As per the New York Post, the Yankee front office is likely to fly down to Los Angeles to meet Yamamoto.
For now, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has no plans to visit New York. Having said that, what led to a sudden change in plans remains unknown. Regardless, the venue holds the least relevance in the Yankees’ dream pursuit. They still remain favorites to land the ace. While Juan Soto’s trade led to wild speculations, Hal Steinbrenner reiterated his commitment to spend big. Speaking of monetary status, MLB analysts expect the Yanks to offer a $350 million contract to the ace for a period of five to six years. Will it be enough to lure the rare talent? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain, the Bombers will up the stakes if needed because they desperately need Yamamoto in the rotation.
Yamamoto’s Instagram Activity Fuel Free Agency Speculations!
Meanwhile, the Yankee fans are keeping a close eye on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s activities while he is in the USA. Interestingly, alert fans dug into the ace’s Instagram handle’s following list. Yamamoto apparently follows Yankee greats CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, and active captain Aaron Judge on Instagram. This has led fans to believe that the pitcher is on his way to the Bronx.
However, nothing is certain until a deal is finalized. The Yankees are yet to meet the ace pitcher. But they did contact him via Zoom last week. Having said that, Brian Cashman seemed determined to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto while speaking to the press after accomplishing Juan Soto’s trade. He said that the front office’s focus remains on pitching depth as the outfield gaps have been filled.
