The competition for the services of Yoshinobu Yamamoto is underway, and the high-spending Yankees are leading the race for the Japanese right-hander. However, this could have negative repercussions in the long term, according to an MLB insider.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggests that signing Yamamoto could potentially “curb their interest” in pursuing a contract extension for outfielder Juan Soto. The newly acquired Yankees slugger is up for free agency next year and he is certain to attract wider attractions from big spenders.
Concerns over Yankees’ big push for Yamamoto
On Monday in Los Angeles, the 25-year-old held discussions with the Yankees, who are actively pursuing him for a potential move to the Bronx. However, they find themselves in a heated competition with other formidable contenders, including the Dodgers, Mets, Giants, and Red Sox.
However, should the Yankees successfully outmaneuver other assertive contenders in securing Yamamoto, it might have implications for another offseason addition. Rosenthal wrote on Wednesday that owner Hal Steinbrenner has consistently demonstrated boundaries to his expenditure.
With substantial financial commitments already in place, particularly to Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees may face significant payroll considerations. Despite this, Scott Boras, the agent for Juan Soto, is expected to negotiate a lucrative deal for the 25-year-old outfielder. Ken Rosenthal emphasizes that the potential pursuit of Yamamoto by the Yankees should not be hindered by concerns over a Soto extension, as such an agreement is far from guaranteed.
Yamamoto’s impressive performance in the recent season, boasting a 1.21 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 169 strikeouts in 164 innings, culminated in his third Eiji Sawamura Award, the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young.
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