The New York Yankees had plans to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto this offseason. But they lost the bidding war for the Japanese ace pitcher to the Los Angeles Dodgers narrowly. In fact, it was just a difference of $25 million and two years more or less. The Bronx Bombers were unwilling to sign the Japanese sensation for more than $300 million. Hence, the Dodgers got him for $325 million and for two years more. It was a big blow to the franchise’s expectations coming to this market in the offseason. The Yankees wanted to solve their problem in the outfield and offense.
Moreover, they were ready to use their pitching resources and then make up for it by signing the international superstar pitcher. They got the first part of the plan nicely sorted. However, losing to the Dodgers was a big blow to the second part of the plan. Hence, they hoped to learn from their mistakes and get the players they needed to increase depth in their bullpen. There are certain viable trade options available for the Pinstripes. But the Yanks got Marcus Stroman recently for a two-year deal.
How Yankees Learned From Their Mistakes As They Signed Stroman?
On Thursday, the Yankees tried to fill the holes as they signed Marcus Stroman for a two-year contract worth $37 million. Moreover, Stroman’s contract has a vesting option for a third year as well. Albeit Stroman was not one of the main targets of the Bronx Bombers this offseason, Greg Joyce of The New York Post feels the franchise did the right thing. They needed to bolster the starting pitcher depth, and they did it with Stroman. Previously, they had Cody Poteet, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver, Will Warren, and Clayton Beeter to fight for the fifth starter spot.
Now, the Yankees want to ensure they keep filling the holes in their rotation. Signing the top pitching options like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery might be difficult for the NY side. Hence, they must be ready with other options ahead of the Spring training. Moreover, Marcus Stroman is a better and cheaper option than Snell or Dylan Cease. Any big contract with these top targets mean the Yankees have to sacrifice key players and prospects like Spencer Jones in exchange for Cease. On top of that, a reunion with Montgomery might ask for a deal north of $150 million.
The Bronx Bombers Better Find Replacements For Blake Snell And Jordan Montgomery
As per recent rumors, the Yankees had offered Blake Snell a deal of around $150 million. But Snell may have rejected the deal. Perhaps, like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Snell is looking for a bigger deal than what was his estimation earlier. On the other hand, Jordan Montgomery won the World Series with the Texas Rangers last season.
He will demand a much bigger contract than the Yankees might hope to offer him. Anyway, the Rangers might not let him go so easily after their maiden World Series win. Hence, in every way, the NY side was smart enough to sign Marcus Stroman before it was too late.
