The New York Yankees did not have a great season they hoped for in 2023. In the last few years, they have made the postseason quite often. But the Bronx Bombers have not been able to go very far. However, it is not like they have any lack of talent in their roster. Moreover, one of the best players in the league, Aaron Judge, is the captain of the NY side. However, one man alone can’t win any team championships. For that, teams will need balance and depth in the roster.
Currently, the Yankees are eyeing the Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, it won’t be easy to sign the Japanese pitcher because there are two other teams in line to bid for him. But one positive sign for the Yankees is that they have an insider who can help them seal the deal. Frank Schwindel gave his best to convince Yamamoto to join the NY side.
Can Frank Schwindel Convince The Japanese Pitcher To Come To New York?
Frank The Tank currently plays in the Nippon Professional Baseball for the Orix Buffaloes. Previously, Schwindel played in the MLB for the Chicago Cubs, the Kansas City Royals and also the Oakland Athletics. However, Frank has forever been a Yankees fan. He told Yamamoto that the Yankees stadium is the best place to play in the MLB. Moreover, the right-handed Japanese pitcher is quite eager to make it big in the USA. Who knows even Frank The Tank can also find a role to play in the NY side next year. After all, the Yankees will need a hitting coach after the departure of Sean Casey.
As locker-mates in Japan, Yoshinobu Yamamoto would work on his English while asking Frank Schwindel about his MLB experience & favorite cities to play in.
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) October 28, 2023
“I told him I was biased because I grew up a #Yankees fan,” said Schwindel, a NJ native. @NYDNSports https://t.co/pxNRO2Ar3y
But the main question is if he can convince his current teammate to sign with the Yankees for the 2024 season. This offseason, the Japanese can sign a contract worth $200 million. However, the Yankees may find the signing of the 25-year-old Japanese right-handed pitcher somewhere between luxury and necessity. After all, they have bigger concerns to bolster the rotation. But if the Yankees miss out on the Japanese pitcher, then the New York Mets or the Chicago Cubs can get him. However, Frank Schwindel is on it and might bring some good news for the Yankees fans.
Yankees Must Solve Their Injury Problems Fast If They Want 2024 To Be Any Different
Moreover, the Yankees need more depth to help them solve injury issues. Like in 2023, injuries to key players really messed up their season. Since 2016, for the first time, the NY side failed to make the postseason this year. The senior and junior players in the Yankees franchise alike sustained injuries. It cost them the 2023 season. And some of them are even questionable in terms of fitness for the next season as well. For instance, the first baseman and three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo stayed out with post-concussion syndrome.
Jasson Dominguez was out with a torn UCL in his right elbow and later had to undergo Tommy John Surgery. More such cases in the Yankees locker room are still prevalent. But for the next season, the 27-time World Series champions are looking for redemption. And they’ll bring in all the help they can to strengthen the roster.