In a major setback, the New York Yankees failed to land the top favorite free agent, SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. After extensive negations and multiple rounds of in-person meetings, the Japanese phenomenon eventually chose Los Angeles Dodgers as the ideal landing spot. Moreover, the Dodgers offered a relatively higher value to Yamamoto compared to the Yanks.
Having said that, losing Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a disaster for the New York Yankees. The pitching rotation for the 2024 MLB season stands incomplete. Thus, the gaps in the rotation will require the Bronx Bombers to stay active in the market regardless. Meanwhile, let’s break down a few ideal fits the Yanks can consider approaching before the off-season reaches its conclusion.
Yankees’ Quest For Fifth Starter To Perpetuate Amid Yamamoto Sweepstakes Fallout!
With the Yoshinobu Yamamoto deal off the table, the New York Yankees can set their sights on available free-agent pitchers to bolster their rotation. The likes of Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell seem more realistic options. Snell is a two-time CY Young Awardee, whereas Montgomery just won a championship with the Rangers. Besides, Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga is also a viable option. Moving on from free agents, the Bombers can approach Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes for a trade deal. The duo are contracted till 2025 with their respective teams. But a good deal could initiate a move. Burnes is a CY Young winner, whereas Dylan possesses a career 3.83 ERA across 123 starts.
While seeking outside reinforcement has been the New York Yankees’ mantra to success, the team could perhaps tweak the approach this time around. The Yanks boast a farm system rich in pitching prospects. This may be an opportune moment to give some of these young arms a chance to prove themselves at the Major League level. Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Chase Hampton seem ready for a promotion in the upcoming season. Besides, the Bombers can extend Frankie Montas’ stay in the Bronx. The starting pitcher hasn’t had the chance to prove his worth due to a lack of opportunities. Montas is finally healthy and thus deserves a second chance. These were all the options available at Yanks’ helm. Undoubtedly, the range is limited. But the team has to adjust and find the best possible fifth starter for the impending 2024 season.
Yanks Let Go Yoshinobu Yamamoto To Save $25 million!
Yankee fans were perplexed to learn that the Yankees missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes by just $25 million. Apparently, the Bombers’ front office tabled a $300 million contract for the next 10 years, which they thought was generous for someone with zero MLB experience. However, the Dodgers and Mets went all in to increase the stakes by $25 million.
Eventually, the monetary factor played a crucial role as Yamamoto went to Dodgers. However, the fans couldn’t wrap their heads around the fact that someone like Hal Steinbrenner, who has never shied away from spending big, would let an ace walk to save $25 million. Certainly, the Yanks have their reasons. But it does sit well with the fans.
