Gerrit Cole has won the CY Young Award for the 2023 season unanimously. With the accomplishment of a major personal milestone, the ace is expected to come out stronger in 2024 to fulfil the ultimate goal of winning the World Series title for the New York Yankees. But can he do it alone? Of course not.
Gerrit Cole needs an anchor presence in the five-man rotation to allow the Yankees more shots at wins. Carlos Rodon certainly cannot be the one he was supposed to be, which will force the Yanks to seek outside help. Meanwhile, ahead of the free agency, the Bombers’ most sought-after pitcher has made his intentions of joining a New York-based team pretty clear.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto “Intrigued” By New York Baseball Market!
Japanese ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been cleared by Orix Buffaloes to make a move to Major League Baseball in 2024. The player posting process is currently underway. Once sealed, the pitcher will enter free agency. Having said that, a lot of teams, including the New York Yankees, scouted the ace last season and left highly impressed. Out of all the contenders, the Yanks and Mets have emerged as the strongest suitors. It is because Yamamoto is really keen to join New York’s sporting culture. As per Andy Martino of SNY, Yamamoto is highly intrigued by New York’s big market and would love to be a part of it.
Having said that, the Yankees and Mets are expected to showdown over Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Neither of them likes to back out and has the deepest pockets in the whole league. As far as the Bombers are concerned, GM Brian Cashman confirmed looking at every available opportunity. They won’t let any opportunity to bolster the roster pass. As with any potential acquisition, the financial aspect will likely play a crucial role. The pursuit of the Japanese pitcher may require a major financial commitment. But the Yanks have a track record of making such bold moves to strengthen their roster. If successful, the acquisition of Yamamoto could be a defining moment for the team’s in the quest for a championship in the upcoming season.
Brian Cashman Hints At Trading Yankees Catching Depth!
At a recent appearance at the Covenant House Sleep Out awareness campaign, the Yankees general manager took out time for the reporters. He talked about how the extensive catching depth has become their strength in recent years. Cashman further added that many teams are knocking on their doors to enquire about catchers availability this off-season. That he thinks is a leverage for the team.
Yankees catching depth consists of Kyle Higashioka, Jose Trevino, Ben Rortvedt, Austin Wells and Carlos Narvaez. While Austin Wells seems a regular face, the rest of the pack’s future hangs in the balance. Previously, rumours suggested that Higashioka and Rortvedt had landed on the trade block. Additionally, if Trevino fails to return by spring training, he, too, could be dealt with. So overall, the fans must expect a shuffle in the team’s catching depth this off-season.
