The rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros has become one of the most contentious in MLB’s recent history. The 2022 ALCS defeat wounded the Yanks so badly that they went down without a postseason qualification in 2023. While the franchises believe otherwise, the bad blood between the two teams is very evident.
Since 2022, both teams have refrained from dealing with each other in any capacity. However, the 2023 season produced unprecedented challenges not only for the Yankees but also for the Houston Astros. Thus, both teams are desperate to fix the roster in 2024 and might seek each other’s help if the latest rumors are to be believed.
Kyle Higashioka Linked To Astros In Unusual Trade Deal!
Andy Martino of SNY earlier claimed that the Yankees have informed teams about their decision to put catchers Kyle Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt on the trade block. The Yanks have four catchers on the roster, and there simply isn’t space for everyone. Jose Trevino will likely recover from a wrist injury in time for the 2024 season. Moreover, prospect Austin Wells emerged as a long-term future fit candidate. Thus, Higashioka and Rortvedt will have to make way for these two backstops. Meanwhile, MLB trade rumors have unusually linked Kyle Higashioka to the Houston Astros in a trade deal. The Astros are currently treating Yainier Diaz as their primary catcher. However, they cannot enter the 2024 season without a veteran presence.
Thus, Kyle Higashioka makes the most sense for the Houston Astros. He has a career .210 batting average and .647 OPS with 40 home runs and 121 RBIs in seven seasons with the Yankees. While the 2023 season seemed underwhelming, Higashioka is equipped with the mental strength to produce a strong comeback. Adding a player like Higashioka, who has shown some power at the plate, could provide the Astros with a more balanced catching situation. Higashioka is a clear upgrade as far as the Astors catching department is concerned. However, to accomplish the balance, the Astros will have to lower their guard in front of the Bronx Bombers and ask for help. Also, a team like the Yanks won’t settle and demand a handsome exchange price for Kyle Higashioka. Overall, it will be an interesting event to follow.
Yankees-Mets To Face Off For Yoshinobu Yamamoto!
At this point, the New York Yankees’ extensive interest in Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is not hidden from the world. Brian Cashman personally went to Japan to scout the pitcher since the ace himself is reserved to do a USA tour. However, the pursuit of a player like Yamamoto won’t be a cakewalk for the Bronx Bombers. They will meet competition at some point in the near future.
Moreover, if rumors are to be believed, the rivals are right adjacent to them. The New York Mets have apparently expressed their interest in landing Yamamoto. Both teams have never shied away from spending mega bucks in the past to bolster the roster. Thus, the city rivals are expected to fight hard to land the Japanese ace. Having said that, the Yankees might just have an edge with the alleged money they have stored for Yamamoto, which is around $200 million.