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CHECKOUT: Shohei Ohtani Beats Aaron Judge In Key Stat! Will That Encourage Yankees To Go After The Two-Way Superstar?

Akshita Patel
Yankees

Credit: AP

It’s no secret that the New York Yankees need strong offensive reinforcements. The 2023 season gave the front office a brutal reality check, which hopefully would have knocked some sense into them. Therefore, fans and analysts alike expect the Bronx Bombers to add a couple of high-end pieces during upcoming free agency.

Meanwhile, the most sought-after and expensive free agent of the 2024 free agency would be Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar is expected to part with the Angels to move to a team with better championship-winning chances. However, Ohtani’s estimated market value has sent shockwaves into the league. Under a tough financial situation, will the New York Yankees take a plunge?

   

Shohei Ohtani Beats Aaron Judge In WAR Stats!

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, left, and Angels star Shohei Ohtani are the frontrunners for the 2022 AL MVP award. (Adam Hunger; Alex Gallardo / Associated Press)

The Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani debate gained momentum after the former sneaked the 2022 AL-MVP award past Ohtani. Judge’s all-time high home run record was simply too good against Ohtani’s exceptional two-way stats. Since then, the fans of both sides have been at loggerheads. This year, Ohtani came close to beating Judge’s home run record before injury played spoilsport. While the two-way phenom failed to surpass that record, he did manage to edge past the Yankees captain in key statistics. As per Codify Baseball, Shohei Ohtani topped the most wins above replacement (WAR) stats for the period of 2021-2023 with 26.4. On the other hand, Aaron Judge lagged behind with 22.5 in second place.

With Shohei Ohtani transforming solely into a hitter for next season, will the New York Yankees go after him in free agency? So far, it looks highly unlikely. The primary reason for Yank’s hesitation is undoubtedly the market value. Ohtani is expected to earn over $500 million for a multi-year contract. If Yanks end up acquiring Ohtani, the team will guarantee $100 million to only three players, which included Aaron Judge ($40 million) and Gerrit Cole ($36 million). And Hal Steinbrenner, under no circumstances, wants to have a $300 million roster payroll. Thus, the possibility of Shohei Ohtani donning the pinstripes in the foreseeable future looks highly unlikely. The Yanks can instead look after cheaper options such as Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger.

Fans Rejoice As Yankees Cut Off Six Under Fire Players!

New York Yankees starting pitcher Domingo German (0) reacts as New York Mets’ Pete Alonso runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

In a first off-season move, the New York Yankees put as many as six players on outright waivers. Domingo German, Jimmy Cordero, Francy Cordero, Billy Mckinney, Matt Bowman, and Ryan Weber have all been put on immediate waivers. If unclaimed by Monday, the outrighted players can elect free agency. Meanwhile, the fans couldn’t be happier. They say that the roster cleaning was much needed after the 2023 season debacle.

All these players had a roller coaster journey in the Bronx. German and Jimmy faced suspensions due to off-field problems, but Mckinney and Francy remained mere backups. Bowman and Weber also served as backup relievers. Additionally, their axing was on the cards since all of the outright players were non-tender candidates. Cutting off six players alone has saved $8 million, which the Yankees can use during free agency to land someone like Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Cody Bellinger.

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