The highly-touted Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is gaining attention from both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets as the possibility of his entry into free agency looms on Monday, according to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Yamamoto is anticipated to be a sought-after free agent in the coming week, with a broader market expressing interest beyond the Yankees and Mets. However, these two teams are emerging as frontrunners, making them significant contenders to secure the talent.
Both the Yankees and Mets are actively scouting the top pitchers available in MLB free agency, signaling their intent to bolster their rotations. While trades remain an option, free agency appears to be the preferred route for these teams.
In particular, the Yankees face intriguing pitching challenges. Despite having Gerrit Cole, the recent recipient of the 2023 AL Cy Young award, as their rotation leader, uncertainties surround the performances of pitchers like Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon. The key question is whether these pitchers can make a strong comeback and maintain their health.
The Yankees have the potential to assemble one of the most formidable starting pitching rotations in baseball. However, the outcome could vary, potentially landing them at the lower end of the league rankings if injuries become a significant factor once again.
Addressing pitching needs is a top priority for the Yankees this offseason. While they could opt for mid-rotation arms to provide essential depth, the team’s financial strength positions them to pursue top-tier talent like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The prospect of having Cole and Yamamoto leading the rotation in 2024 holds significant appeal for the Yankees, and further updates on their pursuit will be closely monitored.