Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes took a different route this weekend. Andy Martino of SNY claimed that the Japanese ace pitcher is interested in sitting across the table with the New York Yankees in a second round of off-season meetings. This time, the ace will be traveling to New York to get a feel of the city environment.
Having said that, nothing remains certain for now. New entrants, the Red Sox and Dodgers, continue to produce hell for the New York Yankees. Boston, LA, and the Mets are pushing hard to lure Yamamoto. The raging competition is bad news for the Bronx Bombers, who are desperate to land a starter this off-season. However, Will Sammon of The Athletic expects Yanks to stay aggressive irrespective of Yamamoto’s sweepstakes results.
Yankees Likely To Stay Aggressive In Pitching Market Even As Yamamoto Gets Farther From Reach!
As the offseason unfolds and the pursuit of top-tier pitching talent continues, the New York Yankees find themselves in a dynamic and ever-evolving market. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto, an initial target, maybe drifting farther from reach, the Yanks are unwavering in their commitment to fortify their pitching arsenal for the 2024 season. Will Sammon of The Athletic recently claimed that the Bronx Bombers intends to remain aggressive in the pitching market irrespective of Yamamoto’s sweepstakes results. They have large holes to fill in the rotation. And thus would go to any lengths to build a sturdy pitching lineup.
Sammon further added that the Yankees have internally discussed seeking a reunion with former southpaw Jordan Montgomery. The left-handed pitcher recently recorded a successful campaign with World Series winner Texas Rangers and is a free agent as well. Besides, the Yanks have set their eyes on Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga as a fallback option. On the other hand, Jordan Hicks, Robert Stephenson, and Josh Hader harder are also being considered as bullpen reinforcement. Having said that, the Yankees’ aggressive stance is a testament to their commitment to fielding a championship-contending team each season. While Yamamoto may have been an exciting prospect, the Yanks are pragmatic in their approach to the evolving market dynamics. They are seeking arms that not only excel in individual performances but also contribute to the overall stability and success of the team.
Yanks Reportedly Agreed To A Contract With A Catcher!
Besides bolstering the major league roster, the New York Yankees also seem focused on extending the farm system depth. As per Jack Curry of YES Network, the franchise recently agreed to a $450,000 contract with a Dominican Republic catcher named Justin Capellan. The deal comes through days after the team freed up international signing pool money from Pirates through the Billy McKinney trade.
Not much is known about Justin Capellan apart from the fact that he is a 6-foot tall and 160-pound sturdy catcher. He is a complete right-handed player. After the Yankees traded veteran backstop Kyle Higashioka to the Padres, perhaps they needed to bolster the catching depth. With Austin Well also entering the major in 2024, the team needs reinforcement for the minor league as well.