The New York Yankees were really looking forward to signing the Japanese ace pitcher. In fact, they were the favorites to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Yankees made Yamamoto an offer of a $300 million contract. Prior to that, they had meetings with him twice. Moreover, the NY side thought that they made an offer he couldn’t refuse. But the Los Angeles Dodgers were just waiting for the right moment to break the hearts of the Yankees Nation. Later, the Dodgers made an offer Yamamoto did not refuse.
The LA side offered $325 million for 12 years. It is the biggest contract for a free-agent pitcher. The previous best deal belonged to Gerrit Cole. As a result, Yamamoto turned down the offer from the Bronx. Now, the Dodgers have two incredible Japanese sensations on their roster. On the other hand, the Yankees are still looking for a star pitcher. There might be one available from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Yankees May Look For A Blockbuster Trade To Sign Corbin Burnes
As per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Corbin Burnes is a viable option for a blockbuster trade. Hoch acknowledged the fact that the Yankees tried their best to bring in Yamamoto. Moreover, the Pinstripes scouted the Japanese ace pitcher for more than a year. The most memorable moment between the Bronx Bombers and Yamamoto was back in September when GM Brian Cashman applauded the 25-year-old from the front row after a no-hitter for the Orix Buffaloes. Moreover, Hoch mentioned that the Yankees may have had a good feeling about Yamamoto, but they were already looking for Plan B’s. And now there are still plenty of options for potential trade still open for Cashman and his front office.
Hoch suggests the Yankees can now turn to a reunion with Jordan Montgomery. Or they can even sign Frankie Montas. The Pinstripes can try their luck in signing the Japanese import, Shota Imanaga. But a trade with the Brewers for Burnes is highly likely. The Yankees have already used a lot of their depth for some blockbuster trades already. But if they can somehow bring in Burnes, it will be really beneficial for them. Even he’s a Cy Young Award winner and a three-time All-Star. The Yankees Nation would surely keep an eye on the Brewers pitcher because he’s not as expensive as Yamamoto, either.
The Pinstripes Could Have A Lethal Starting Combo With Cole And Yamamoto
What if the NY side had signed the 25-year-old righty pitcher? Then the Bronx Bombers could claim to have the best offseason this year. Previously, they had signed Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres for a year. At least, for the next season, the Pinstripes would be a top contender. Moreover, the starting pitching lineup with Gerrit Cole and Yoshinobu Yamamoto would be a lethal combination. Cole won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award.
Similarly, Yamamoto has been a multiple-time winner of the Sawamura Award (equivalent to Cy Young award in Nippon Professional Baseball). Moreover, the Japanese ace pitcher has been a multiple-time MVP in the Japanese league as well. Hence, the Yankees would have one of the strongest lineup with Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Gerrit Cole. All of them great players, terrific sluggers and terrific pitchers. However, things did not go as the Pinstripes planned.