Shohei Ohtani target in the Bronx: Will he join the Yankees?

Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch in the first inning.
USA Today
Amanda Paula
Thursday July 13, 2023

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After a slow start to the season, the Yankees heard some good news today. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, there is a buzz among the Pinstripes Nation that the New York Yankees might be the top team on the market for Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani.

Yankees rumored to be interested in signing Ohtani

Ohtani in action in the All-star Games
Sports Illustrated

It’s not surprising to hear that the Yankees have their sights set on acquiring a star player in the MLB, as the Pinstripes Nation reported a month ago.

Appearing on “Get Up!” Thursday morning, Olney said:

“Well, you start with the Yankees. The Yankees, the Yankees, the Yankees, the Rangers, the Rays, maybe a small handful of teams, but there’s no doubt, talking with sources yesterday, they see the Yankees as potentially being the most motivated because Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, they’re middle-aged players right in the prime of their careers. This is the Yankees’ window to win now.”

Olney points to an aging roster as the potential inspiration to acquire the two-way player. The team’s highest-paid players – Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodon – are all at least 30 years old. He also feels the window to bring a World Series trophy back to New York is closing.

Why do the Yankees need to sign an MLB star?

New York Yankees players in action.
New York Yankees

The Yankees have been to the postseason for five consecutive years, and Pinstripes Nation has witnessed their journey closely. In that time, they have made it to the ALCS three times and were eliminated by the Houston Astros every time.

Ohtani in action in the All-Star Games in 2023.
USA Today

Ohtani, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, could be the missing piece the Yankees need to get over the hump.

As a hitter, Ohtani leads MLB with six triples and 32 home runs. His 1.050 OPS is also tops in all of baseball. As a pitcher, he boasts a 7-4 record behind a 3.32 ERA, and hitters are batting just .184 against him.

Shohei Ohtani in action for the Angels.
USA Today

The problem is that prognosticators predict that he could become the highest-paid player in American professional sports. Some say he could command up to $600 million. You would also have to part ways with MLB-ready talent as well as prospects to get the megastar.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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5 thoughts on “Shohei Ohtani target in the Bronx: Will he join the Yankees?

  1. Why would Ohtani play here? Are we that near a Championship? I don’t see him coming here or the Mets. He wants results and NYC sadly can’t provide that in the near future.

    1. Yanks still have a chance to win it all. They still need a LF, 3B, SP, and maybe a good all round catcher(lowest priority), Ohtani would benefit them greatly. Must trade Stanton or keep him in the OF. Judge will need to DH for awhile. Where would Ohtani fit if Judge can’t play OF?? I think the Yanks will go in a different direction. Ohtani will migrate to the West Coast. His agent will use the Yanks/Mets/Red Sox/ Toronto/Chicago/Philly/Miami just to squeeze what Seattle/SD/LA Dogers offer , “thinking East Coast teams have a chance to sign him. It’s chess moves people!

  2. No!!! The Yankee fans will have him signed sealed and delivered. Truth is he’s not going to be a Yankee. He’ll only use the yankees and be on his way.

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