According to reports, the New York Yankees are not messing around this offseason.
No, we’re not talking about Shohei Ohtani just yet … But when it comes to dominant starting pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is just about as good as it gets.
However, he’s just one of many available names on the market – and apparently Brian Cashman and the Yankees are exploring all of them.
“Among the most active teams in the starting pitching market are the Yankees,” MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported.
Yankees Notes: Nola, Yamamoto, Peralta, Bailey https://t.co/cCYE14oa7l pic.twitter.com/TH044d2sQf
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 14, 2023
Morosi revealed that the Yankees are currently expressing interest in two notable pitchers in particular – Yamamoto and Aaron Nola.
While the Yankees faced severe challenges on the offensive front, ranking 25th in runs scored in 2023, their focus on enhancing the pitching staff is not wavering.
Imagine a world where the Yankees get Nola & Yamamoto 😳
— Brett Ryan (@brett_ryan82) November 14, 2023
The urgency to fortify their pitching rotation is evident as talented pitchers Luis Severino and Frankie Montas are currently free agents.
Additionally, uncertainties surround the performance of the remaining starters, with concerns particularly surrounding #2 starter Carlos Rodón.
Rodón, who secured a substantial six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees last offseason, concluded the 2023 season with a massively disappointing 6.85 ERA over 14 starts.
MLB Trade Rumors contract predictions for the Top 10 Free Agents
1) Ohtani: 12 yrs / 528 mil
2) Bellinger: 12 / 264 (?????)
3) Yamamoto: 9 / 225
4) Snell: 7 / 200
5) Nola: 6 / 150
6) Montgomery: 6 / 150
7) M. Chapman: 6 / 150
8) Hader: 6 / 110
9) Gray: 4 / 90
10) Imanaga: 5 / 85 pic.twitter.com/iJVqPzZIzn— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) November 7, 2023
Looking at the big picture, what do the Yankees need to do this offseason???