The New York Yankees are heading into the 2024-25 offseason with several pressing concerns and opportunities to reshape their roster. They have notable free agents, including Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo, and Clay Holmes. Soto is the centerpiece, and retaining him would require a significant financial commitment.
However, the New York Yankees are reportedly cautious about their payroll sustainability moving forward. Despite strong performances from Gerrit Cole and young pitchers like Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil, the Yanks aim to bolster their rotation and bullpen. Amid this, the Bronx Bombers are linked to a sensational starting pitching option from Japan.
How Serious Are Yankees For Roki Sasaki?
The New York Yankees are positioning themselves to be contenders in the pursuit of Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese ace whose blistering fastball has caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams. Sasaki, whose fastball can reach an astonishing 102 mph, is expected to be posted by his Japanese team as part of the 2025 international signing class, which begins on January 15. Sasaki has been lauded as one of the best pitching prospects to emerge from Japan in recent years. Alongside his triple-digit fastball, Sasaki wields a devastating splitter and a sharp slider. Scouts have praised his lean, athletic frame and clean mechanics, with some describing his potential as that of a future MLB ace.
While Yankees managing partner Hal Steinbrenner admitted to reporters that he has only seen highlights of Sasaki, he acknowledged the pitcher’s immense talent, calling him “tremendous.” Although the Yankees have yet to hold in-depth discussions about signing Sasaki, their interest aligns with their goal of strengthening the pitching rotation. With Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman already in the fold for 2025, adding a talent like Sasaki could elevate the Yanks’ rotation to one of the best in baseball.
Securing Sasaki won’t be easy. MLB’s international signing bonus pool rules will dictate his initial contract terms, with teams offering signing bonuses based on their pool allocations. The Dodgers currently lead with $2.5 million in available bonus money, while the Bombers have $1.49 million. Overall, while Sasaki would be an invaluable addition, the New York-based franchise must balance its financial commitments.
Yanks Share Mutual Interest With Walker Buehler
Walker Buehler’s potential signing with the New York Yankees is generating buzz as the free agent pitcher and New York reportedly share “mutual interest” in a deal, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. The 30-year-old right-hander is coming off a season where he made significant strides following his 2022 Tommy John surgery.
His recent postseason performances, particularly in the NLCS and World Series, suggest he’s regaining his prior form. The New York Yankees’ interest in Buehler aligns with their strategy of bolstering an already strong rotation led by Gerrit Cole. With Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt emerging as reliable options, adding Buehler would provide depth and postseason pedigree.
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