- Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is still being pursued by the New YorkYankees
According to Andy Martino of SNY, Yamamoto is expected to meet with the Bronx Bombers while he’s still in the New York area, fresh off a meeting with the New York Mets on Saturday. Martino also said that the meeting between Yamamoto and the Yankees could be as soon as Sunday.
This time, the Yankees plan to make a stronger pitch to the 25-year-old. Kris Pursiainen of WFUV Sports reported that team captain Aaron Judge will be at the meeting, among other players. Former Yankee pitcher CC Sabathia may also attend to help convince Yamamoto to pitch in the Bronx.
This could possibly be in response to the aforementioned recent meeting with the Mets on Saturday, as team owner Steve Cohen hosted Yamamoto for dinner at his home. This may also explain why Martino said that the Yankees “hastily scheduled” their meeting with Yamamoto, but if Judge and Sabathia are expected to be present, then the Yankees are clearly not messing around with their negotiations.
This could possibly be in response to the aforementioned recent meeting with the Mets on Saturday, as team owner Steve Cohen hosted Yamamoto for dinner at his home. This may also explain why Martino said that the Yankees “hastily scheduled” their meeting with Yamamoto, but if Judge and Sabathia are expected to be present, then the Yankees are clearly not messing around with their negotiations.
The sweepstakes for Yamamoto have been heating up lately, as the Yankees, Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox, among others, are pursuing the Japanese phenom.
Over the last three years in Nippon Professional Baseball, the Orix Buffaloes ace has won the Pacific League MVP, the Eiji Sawamura Award, and the Japanese Pitching Triple Crown each year. Yamamoto has until January 4, 2024 to sign a contract with a major league team.
The Yankees acquired outfielders Alex Verdugo and Juan Soto, which significantly improved their lineup. But general manager Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner have demonstrated their boldness and resolve to turn the Yankees back into a contender for the World Series in 2024, and they intend to bolster the pitching staff by adding a key player.
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