After selecting superstar outfielder Juan Soto in a trade with the San Diego Padres, the New York Yankees have now shifted their attention to Japanese superstar starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Yankees and rival New York Mets are the favorites to sign Yamamoto.”The Yankees are competing with a crowded field for Yamamoto, the 25-year-old right-hander who has won three straight Pacific League Most Valuable Player awards.
Mets owner Steve Cohen met with Yamamoto last week in Japan as the (San Francisco) Giants, ( Los Angeles) Dodgers and (Toronto) Blue Jays are among the teams believed to be pursuing Yamamoto.“This is up to the Mets and Yankees,” the source said. “They both think they need him desperately, and they do. Prepare your popcorn. This could be fun.
Yamamoto is expected to sign a contract well over $200 million, which would put the Yankees above “Steve Cohen’s” luxury tax threshold of $297 million. Rumor has it that the Yankees are more than ready to cross the $300 million mark after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
The Yankees are scheduled to meet Yamamoto in the United States on Monday.Yamamoto would be a perfect No. 2 starter/co-ace for AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole in the Yankees rotation. The Yankees signed Carlos Rodon last winter to complement Cole, but he had a rough first year in pinstripes, riddled with injuries and poor performances.
The Yankees are strong contenders to add Yamamoto, but so are the Mets, who have yet to make a major move this season.If the Yankees are missing Yamamoto, a reunion with lefty Jordan Montgomery could be a possibility.
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