The New York Yankees and New York Mets are both reportedly serious contenders to sign starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in free agency.According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yanks and Mets are “heavily in play,” and the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are also known to be among the others.
Yamamoto’s suitors.Regarding the interest in Yamamoto, an anonymous MLB executive told Martino that the demand for him was “insane” and “like an auction.”Yamamoto, 25, is one of the most highly touted players to come out of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League in years, and he brings with him the potential of a top player.
In 172 career games at NPB, Yamamoto went 70-29 with a 1.82 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 922 strikeouts in 897 innings pitched.During his time with the Orix Buffaloes, he was also a five-time All-Star, three-time MVP, three-time Triple Crown winner, three-time Golden Glove Award winner and one-time Japan Series champion.
The Yankees apparently have a long-standing interest in Yamamoto, as general manager Brian Cashman was present when he pitched his second career no-hitter in September.Then, this week, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Yankees would face Yamamoto on Monday in the United States.The Mets reportedly already had a meeting with Yamamoto, as owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns visited Tokyo last week and had dinner with Yamamoto and his family, according to Martino.Martino added that the meeting may have helped “level the playing field” between the Mets and Yankees when it comes to signing the talented right-hander.
The Mets and Yankees are coming off extremely disappointing seasons in which they missed the playoffs despite being World Series contenders.The Mets went 75-87 and traded several key players, including veteran pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Meanwhile, the Yankees went 82-80 despite numerous injuries and poor performances throughout the season.Hoping to return to the World Series, the Yankees have already made a splash this offseason by signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres.
Cashman made it clear that the Yankees aren’t done yet, emphasizing that he wants to make the Yankees the “Mecca of Baseball.”Few teams can match the type of offer the Yankees can send Yamamoto, but the Mets are one of them because of Cohen’s deep pockets.
You can also pitch Yamamoto on the fact that they signed Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga last year and he had immediate success, going 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA and an All-Star nomination. -Star.The Yankees and Mets have a lot to offer Yamamoto, and Martino reported that the pitcher could make his free agent decision before Christmas.
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