The New York Yankees are in search of a good starting pitcher. But they are also looking for more offensive players. They had a terrible season in 2023. It has been one of the worst seasons in the last thirty years for the NY side. Moreover, the Yankees might be happy to know that one of their offseason targets has shown some interest in signing with them.
It is not Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres or Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, it is the Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto who is a top contender to sign with the Yankees in free agency. As per Andy Martino, an insider of SNY, the Japanese superstar free agent used the word “Intrigued” to describe his interest in signing with the 27-time champions.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Feels “Intrigued” To Sign With The NY Side
Even if they have not been able to reach the World Series in a really long time, there is no debate regarding the iconic image of the New York Yankees. This team has one of the biggest cultural impacts in North American sports. That’s what seems to be attracting Yamamoto. Recently, there was a verbal battle between Brian Cashman and Wasserman Joel Wolfe regarding the former calling Giancarlo Stanton “Injury-prone” at the GM Meetings. Wolfe is Yamamoto’s agent.
As per the Athletic, Wolfe mentioned it is a healthy reminder for every free agent to be like Teflon if they want to play for the Yankees. It is because they can never let their guards down, even in the offseason. Anyhow, both the Yankees GM and Yamamoto’s agent must have resolved that issue, as Martino reported that they are on good terms. Moreover, Martino also said Yamamoto did not know about that altercation. If Yamamoto actually joins the recent AL Cy winner Gerrit Cole in the team, the Yankees will have a lethal duo in their pitching lineup.
Yankees Might Face Stiff Competition From Their City Rivals In Signing The Japanese Free Agent
But it won’t be a cakewalk in signing the Japanese free agent for the Yankees. It is because they will face stiff competition from their city rivals, the New York Mets. Moreover, they did not make the postseason this year. It has been a tremendous shame for the iconic pinstripe team. Initially, they had a feeling that they would reach the World Series for the first time since 2009, this year. But something very different and very worse happened for the Yankees. However, they are desperate to make big changes to bounce back stronger next season.
Captain Aaron Judge and owner Hal Steinbrenner are eagerly waiting for the franchise to reach the “Big Dance.” But they need a good reshuffling of their roster to find balance and stability. The Yankees also suffered a lot of injuries to key players this season. Hence, they would welcome any great prospects to sign with them this offseason. The NY side has got an extra month of the offseason after failing to make the postseason this year. They are looking to use it to the fullest.
