As the New York Yankees set their sights on acquiring Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, there’s a looming possibility that their pursuit might fall short.
However, reports suggest that even if they miss out on Yamamoto, the Yankees are gearing up to be remarkably “aggressive” in the free-agent market to fortify their starting rotation for the 2024 season.
The recent MLB frenzy ignited by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million deal with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has shifted attention to another Japanese gem, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The 25-year-old, a three-time Nippon Professional Baseball MVP, is touted as a potential decade-long star, attracting interest from major market clubs like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants.
Initially considered a favorite for Yamamoto’s signature due to the allure of the Pinstripes brand in Japan, the Yankees face strong competition from the Dodgers, backed by Ohtani’s involvement in their pitch, and the Mets, boasting financial firepower.
Consequently, the Yankees may not emerge victorious in this high-stakes competition.
Anticipating this potential outcome, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported that the Yankees are prepared for such a scenario and are still committed to being “aggressive” in free agency.
Their primary focus is strengthening the rotation behind American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole.
With the Yankees reportedly aiming to sidestep the next payroll tax threshold, signing Yamamoto for a speculated $300 million seems uncertain.
The prospect of a major trade is also unlikely, given their desire to retain top prospects following the Juan Soto trade. In the event of missing out on Yamamoto, the Yankees might explore alternatives, and one intriguing option is Marcus Stroman, a New York native and seasoned pitcher with notable performances for the Blue Jays and Mets.
Another short-term option to bolster the rotation could be Clayton Kershaw, a storied figure in Los Angeles Dodgers’ history, despite concerns about his injury history.
Additionally, there’s interest in a reunion with homegrown talent Jordan Montgomery, who, after a trade last year, showcased an elevated performance for the Texas Rangers, demonstrating familiarity with the New York market and an ability to thrive under the intense scrutiny of Yankees fans—all at a reasonable cost.
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