The New York Yankees had a terrible 2023 season. They failed to make the postseason. But this offseason, the Pinstripes were desperate to turn things around. They landed the Dominican superstar and were looking for a Japanese later on. With Juan Soto and then bringing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the roster, this offseason could have been the best in recent times for the NY side. However, things took an awful turn when, for $25 million more and two extra years, the Japanese ace pitcher signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It is great for the LA side to have two Japanese superstars in their lineup. But the Yankees are facing a desperate time at present with the pitching situation worsening. They gave away a lot of pitchers this offseason to bolster their outfield. But now they need to look to Plan B for starting pitchers they really need. Otherwise, the roster won’t have any balance and stability. Now, things might get a little uncomfortable while signing a starter.
Yankees Need To Push Harder For A Starting Pitcher Now
There are plenty of options still available for the Bronx Bombers. For instance, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and the Japanese “Throwing Philosopher.” If the Yankees could pay around $350 million, including the posting fee for Yamamoto, they should have what it needs to land Blake Snell. The two-time Cy Young Award winner may look for a deal worth $200 million. But Snell is the most accomplished starting pitcher remaining in free agency. Hence, the Yankees must go hard on him. On the other hand, the Pinstripes can also look to reunite with Jordan Montgomery. The recent World Series winner might look for a deal around $172 million. Even the Philadelphia Phillies were able to sign Aaron Nola for that same amount.
Now, the question is if the Yankees truly believe in Montgomery’s talent and what he can bring to the table. On the other hand, the executives and agents might also look for the Japanese Shota Imanaga, who might be worth $100 million. Last year, his strikeout rate was even better than Yamamoto. But the lefty pitcher is only 5’10 and 175 pounds. On the other hand, Corbin Burnes will likely land with the Milwaukee Brewers, and Dylan Cease will likely sign with the Chicago White Sox. And the Miami Marlins will likely sign Edward Cabrera or Braxton Garrett. They might even think about Jesus Luzardo and also Trevor Rogers.
Plan To Land Yamamoto Failed Miserably This Offseason
The NY side finished with an 82-80 record. It was a shame because the previous season was probably the worst in the last 30 years for the Bronx Bombers. Adding to that shame, the offense of the NY side looked really very weak. They needed to do something this offseason. That’s what they promised the fans as they approached the offseason with a lot of high hopes. Moreover, the front office said that significant changes were coming.
Indeed, to better the offense, the Yankees landed Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. It was a major boost as now, the outfield with Juan Soto alongside Aaron Judge looks stunning. But Brian Cashman said in the November GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona, that they were also eyeing a starting pitcher. Everybody knew that the Yankees GM was pointing at the possibility of signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It was a great plan if they could actually execute it. But they lost him to the LA Dodgers. Really unfortunate for them.
