The New York Yankees had been looking to redeem themselves this offseason. They had a pretty tough 2023 season results to swallow. It is not easy for a 27-time champion team to fail to make the postseason and bounce back stronger. They needed to keep faith in the decision-makers and let them find ways to bring stability to the roster. Moreover, the front office did just that this offseason. The Bronx Bombers turned things around when they landed Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. They needed a boost like this to bolster their offense. Now, they look pretty solid in terms of their outfield.
Moreover, the Yankees were looking for a couple of lefty outfielders and a solid pitcher. Besides the pitcher they were looking for, the Yankees got the outfielders they needed – Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham. These players will join Aaron Judge in the outfield. Moreover, the pitcher that is an exciting prospect for the NY side as well as for some other MLB teams is Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But the Yankees won’t stop just there as they will keep looking to reinforce their roster. Hence, the question is, what does the shopping list for the Yankees look like in the winter now?
Yankees Will Try To Land Yamamoto For A 10-year Deal
Since the 25-year-old Japanese pitcher’s demand keeps growing among the top teams in the league, his projected contract looks like above $250 million. However, the posting fee of the Orix Buffaloes is not part of the above estimation. The Yankees have scouted Yamamoto extensively. Like the NY side did with Gerrit Cole in 2019. Clearly, he is the first priority for the Yankees at present. There is a possibility that the Japanese ace might sign a 10-year deal worth $280 million. It can even go up to a 12-year deal worth $336 million.
Yankees Might Also Want To Reunite With Frankie Montas!
In 2022, Frankie Montas started for the Yankees only eight times. Later in 2023, he suffered because of shoulder injuries and had to undergo arthroscopic surgery in February this year. Hence, Montas was only able to play a few games in September. Anyhow, in the offseason, he seemed healthy. But later, the NY side let him go.
Anyhow, turning 31 next March, Montas might make some short-term offers. But he hopes to get back in form as a first option for a starter. Hence, the Yankees can sign him for a one-year contract as they need depth for a starting pitcher. That one-year deal might have a mutual option for the 2025 season.
The Bronx Bombers Can Sign Closer Liam Hendriks
The NY side seems to admire closer Liam Hendriks for his fight with Lymphoma of Non-Hodgkin. They also made a public gesture by donating $10,000 check in the reliever’s name to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Personally, the reliever matched that donation. However, a few weeks later, he suffered from an elbow problem.
Hence, he had to undergo Tommy John Surgery. Now, Hendriks is a 35-year-old free agent. He hopes to resume his pitching career by midseason. The Yankees can find the idea of acquiring an All-Star closer as a setup man halfway through next season appealing. Hence, they might offer him a two-year deal.
What’s The Projected Rotation Of The Pinstripes?
It might look like this – Gerrit Cole (RH), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RH), Carlos Rodon (LH), Nestor Cortes (LH). And as the fifth starter – Clark Schmidt or Frankie Montas (RHs). In the case of relievers, there will be Clay Holmes, Ian Hamilton, Victor Gonzales, Scott Effross, and so on. Hendriks can begin on the Injured List.
Then comes the infielders with Anthony Volpe, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres, DJ LeMahieu and so on. Moreover, the most anticipated outfielders – Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham. Austin Wells and Jose Trevino will be the catchers.