Yankees and Mets lock horns in race to sign Japanese star

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Following their playoff absence, the New York Yankees face another potential setback. The highly anticipated signing of Japanese athlete Yoshinobu Yamamoto hangs in the balance as reports from the New York Post suggest that the New York Mets, their city rivals, have set their sights on him.

Yankees face stiff competition as Mets eye Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Rumors are circulating that the Mets may become the leading bidders for the coveted Japanese right-hander, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While several big-market teams have been closely monitoring the two-time MVP, a few rival general managers claim they have information indicating that the Mets are preparing a substantial offer.

Yamamoto has been heavily scouted by the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Phillies, Giants, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Rangers, and others.

The Mets had success signing Yamamoto’s friend Kodai Senga, and the $75 million deal for Senga now appears to be a bargain, despite initial concerns about his medical condition.

Yamamoto, Team Japan’s No. 4 starter in their star-studded WBC rotation, is highly regarded for his composure, competitiveness, and command. While he may not throw as hard as Senga, he is younger and has a cleaner bill of health. He also possesses an excellent forkball. The only question mark seems to be his relatively short stature at 5-foot-10, which some GMs are cautious about.

The debate in free agency is centered around which ace will secure the most lucrative deal: Yamamoto or Blake Snell. Snell is the likely NL Cy Young winner, but Yamamoto, at 25 years old with no draft pick attached, could command a contract worth as much as $200 million, according to one rival GM.

While Chicago is an improving team in a great city, it is unclear if Pete Alonso has any interest in joining the Cubs. Alonso was reportedly upset about the firing of Buck Showalter, but this should not necessarily diminish the Mets’ chances of retaining him.

The Mets should not be underestimated, especially with Scott Boras and Steve Cohen behind the scenes, as they have already secured several nine-figure agreements.

Regarding the managerial situation, Craig Counsell is expected to manage somewhere next year, and the Mets might need to offer a substantial salary to entice him away from his hometown Brewers. If he joins the Mets, he could potentially set new salary records for managers.

David Stearns, the new Mets honcho, has expressed his willingness to hire a managerial newcomer and “grow with” the choice. Several potential candidates have been mentioned, including Don Kelly, Joe Espada, Raul Ibanez, Clayton McCullough, Eric Chavez, and Joey Cora, but Cora’s potential departure would be deeply felt as he is an outstanding third-base coach.

Despite the awkwardness of Buck Showalter announcing his own firing, the Mets wanted to resolve the issue before Stearns’ press conference. Steve Cohen even flew from Los Angeles to speak with Showalter in person, showing his commitment to the team.

The Mets are expected to pick up Brooks Raley’s $6.5 million option as they seek to add more left-handed pitchers to their roster. Adam Ottavino’s decision regarding his $6.75 million option remains uncertain.

While Daniel Vogelbach is a valuable asset for a small-market team due to his relatively low salary, his limitations in fielding and running proved to be challenges for Showalter and the Mets.

Lastly, the Mets have received praise for the prospects they acquired at the trade deadline, particularly Luisangel Acuña, Drew Gilbert, and Ryan Clifford. In the Mets’ minor league system, Jett Williams has been impressive, recording 102 walks at just 19 years old, despite being listed at 5-foot-6 (with some suggesting he may actually be 5-foot-6¾).

Why are the Yankees interested in signing Yamoto?

In the ever-competitive world of Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees are setting their sights on a potential game-changer: Yamamoto. The talented Japanese right-hander has been making waves in the baseball world, and the Yankees are eager to secure his services for the upcoming season. As the rumors swirl and the stakes rise, it’s clear that the Yankees see something special in this young pitcher.

Yamamoto, with an impressive career ERA of just 1.74 across seven seasons with the Buffaloes, has been turning heads in the baseball world. His consistent dominance on the mound, with an ERA under 2.00 since 2020, is a testament to his skill and determination. At just 25 years old, he’s an emerging star with the potential to reshape the Yankees’ fortunes.

The Yankees, a team with a storied history of success, already possess a formidable pitching rotation. However, they see Yamamoto as the missing piece of the puzzle that could catapult them to World Series glory in 2024. The team is known for its high standards and relentless pursuit of excellence, and their pursuit of Yamamoto is no exception.

The competition for Yamamoto’s signature promises to be intense. Several big-market teams, including the Yankees’ arch-rivals, have been closely monitoring his career. But the Yankees are ready to go the extra mile to secure this rising star. Their substantial offer reflects the immense promise they see in Yamamoto, and it’s a sign of their commitment to building a championship-caliber team.

For Yankees fans, this is a story to watch closely in the months ahead. The potential addition of Yoshinobu Yamamoto to their roster could be the key to unlocking a new era of success for the Bronx Bombers. As the offseason unfolds and the bidding war heats up, one thing is certain: the Yankees are determined to make a bold statement and continue their pursuit of greatness in the world of baseball.

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