Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Source: Sports Illustrated

The New York Yankees were the wealthiest team in Major League Baseball. But time has gone by rather fast, and the Bronx Bombers have not won a World Series in many years. However, they are still the most successful team in the league, with 27 championship victories. But times have changed, and the Bronx has not been so successful in the last decade.

They have not won a World Series since 2009. However, they have been able to acquire the superstar Aaron Judge for nine years. Judge is also the new captain of the Pinstripes. But the NY side has not been as strong as they were financially in the last century. However, things have changed a bit this offseason after the Yankees landed Juan Soto. 

   

Why Buster Olney Claims Yankees Can Go Back To Being The Evil Empire Again?

Gerrit Cole Yankees
Gerrit Cole Yankees Source: CBS Sports

Prior to the current offseason, the Yankees had a major problem with their star power. They were heavily relied on Aaron Judge. And they needed another superstar outfielder. Eventually, they got Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres for a year. Now, the Bronx Bombers are looking to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Japanese superstar free agent. Several teams, including the city rivals, the Mets, are also in line to sign the superstar pitcher. But the Yankees were always the favorite to land the 25-year-old Japanese superstar. Finally, if they land him, then they will have two superstar pitchers in their starting lineup – Gerrit Cole and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

That’s why the ESPN Analyst Buster Olney comments that the Bronx can go back to being the most dominant force in the league with the two most expensive pitchers. In 2023, Gerrit Cole won the American League Cy Young Award. Moreover, after failing to make the postseason this year, the NY organization promised the fans they would make some significant changes. That’s what Brian Cashman has been doing successfully this offseason. The Yankees are desperate to redeem themselves. As a result, they might not let Yamamoto join any other team. 

When The Pinstripes Were “The Evil Empire”?

Babe Ruth Yankees Red Sox
Babe Ruth Yankees Red Sox Source: MLB.com

Moreover, the Pinstripes have reached the “Big Dance” the most number of times in the league. They not only dominated the league with the most title success but also acquired the best players in the league’s history. Since the time of Babe Ruth, then came Mickey Mantle, so many greats of the game represented the NY side. Then there were other legends like Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and last but not least, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

The Bronx always had the biggest names. With these legends, the Yankees managed to win as many titles as they have in all these years. They were not just the best but also the wealthiest players in the league. Clearly, the Yankees dominated the economic market of the league as they could afford all these legends. Moreover, the MLB fans, reporters, and experts had a nickname for the Pinstripes to describe their financial strength. They used to call the Yankees, “The Evil Empire.”