The New York Yankees have had a successful offseason, acquiring superstar Juan Soto as well as left-handed hitting outfielder Alex Verdugo.
But they’re not done yet.
According to USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are the favorites to sign superstar Japanese free agent starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The Yankees met with Yamamoto on Monday, which was said to go well. They must now wait as the star hurler is being pursued by a number of other teams. Yamamoto also met with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were represented by Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts.
Along with the Yankees and Dodgers, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns flew to Japan to meet with Yamamoto, and they are also interested in signing him.
If the Yankees sign Yamamoto, he will form a lethal 1-2 punch with AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole atop the Yankees’ rotation. And if Carlos Rodon returns to his career levels in 2024, the Yankees will have a strong 1-3 record.
Yamamoto, 25, is expected to receive a contract worth well over $200 million. The Yankees are reportedly the favorites, and he is expected to make his decision soon.
Leave a Reply