Yankees at Winter Meetings Day 2: Break down the latest updates and hottest rumors

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theathletic
Amanda Paula
Tuesday December 5, 2023

Table of Contents

As the MLB Winter Meetings continue in Nashville, Tennessee, Day 2 commences following a whirlwind of activity on Day 1. Amidst the buzz of speculation and anticipation, the New York Yankees emerge as a focal point of attention. The initial day saw a flurry of rumors and player signings, offering a glimpse into the potential reshaping of Major League Baseball. As negotiations and discussions unfold, all eyes are on the Yankees, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting updates on rumored acquisitions, including star players Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Padres star and Yankees target Juan Soto at Petco Park in 2022.
Jose Soto Pacheco

The prospect of these standout athletes joining the ranks of the New York Yankees has injected an extra layer of excitement into the Winter Meetings. The ongoing drama surrounding the potential moves adds to the anticipation surrounding the team’s future lineup. As the baseball world eagerly awaits decisions from these key players, the Winter Meetings promise to be a pivotal moment that could significantly impact the trajectory of the upcoming MLB season.

For those seeking real-time updates and in-depth coverage, the Post provides a live feed from the MLB Winter Meetings 2023. From breaking news to behind-the-scenes insights, the comprehensive coverage ensures that fans stay well-informed about the evolving narratives and potential game-changing developments during this crucial period for the league and the New York Yankees.

Yankees snag Alex Verdugo in trade with Red Sox – 9:22 P.M EST

In a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the New York Yankees have secured outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox. Sources familiar with the deal informed ESPN of the trade, revealing that the Yankees parted ways with right-handers Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert, and Nicholas Judice to acquire the talented outfielder

ESPN’s Jeff Passan weighed in, emphasizing that this acquisition does not eliminate the Yankees from the pursuit of star outfielder Juan Soto, highlighting the team’s relentless quest for elite left-handed bats in the MLB. READ MORE HERE!

Brian Cashman addresses Michael King’s status and talks Yamamoto – 5:36 P.M EST

Yankees’ GM, Brian Cashman, dismissed recent speculations about pitcher Michael King being untouchable, emphasizing that no player is off the trade table. Responding to Aaron Boone’s positive comment on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cashman concurred, hinting at ongoing talks. He revealed traveling to Japan with the expectation of Yamamoto being posted and expressed admiration for the player, who was aware of Cashman’s presence. The clarification on King’s status and insights into Yamamoto’s potential acquisition suggest the Yankees are actively exploring roster dynamics, keeping fans intrigued about potential changes in the team’s composition.

Cashman speaks out about Juan Soto – 5 P.M EST

At the winter meetings, the General Manager provided key insights on Juan Soto, the Yankees’ primary target, delivering positive news by labeling him as an impactful batter. Emphasizing Soto’s prowess, the GM acclaimed him as one of the premier hitters in the game.

“He’s an impact bat. One of the best hitters in the game.” Cashman to Yes Network.

Aaron Boone discusses King and Thorpe in Juan Soto trade talks – 4:30 P.M EST

According to Max Goodman of NJ.com, the Yanks and Padres encountered a roadblock in Juan Soto trade talks during the Winter Meetings. San Diego is seeking a substantial package of pitchers from New York, including Michael King, Clarke Schmidt, and pitching prospect Drew Thorpe. However, the Yankees find it unlikely to part with both King and Thorpe for a one-season rental in Soto.

Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in King’s potential as a key starter based on his impressive performance in the final stretch of the 2023 season. The ongoing stalemate presents challenges, but both teams could benefit from the trade, addressing offensive needs for the Yankees and providing financial relief and young pitching for the Padres. A potential solution may involve the Yankees offering one of the requested pitchers, such as Schmidt. Boone underscored Soto’s offensive prowess, describing him as a “machine.” These negotiations occur as the Yankees aim to enhance their lineup following a challenging 2023 season.

FaceTime call with Boone sparks optimism for Yankees’ big break – 4:20 P.M EST

Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, is speaking at Winter Meeting in Nashville on Dec 5, 2023.

This afternoon, Red Sox writer Chris Costillo conveyed an encouraging update from manager Alex Cora regarding the Yankees. Cora shared that during a recent FaceTime call with Aaron Boone, there was a notable, optimistic expression on Boone’s face. Costillo reported Cora’s observation, implying that significant and positive developments may be on the horizon for the Yankees.

Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone addresses Soto and Yamamoto rumors – 4 P.M EST

In the midst of swirling Yankees rumors surrounding Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, manager Aaron Boone addressed the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. Despite stalled trade talks for Soto, Boone praised the player’s offensive prowess and acknowledged the challenges posed by tampering rules. Discussions with the Padres hit a roadblock, with San Diego seeking a package including Michael King and prospects like Drew Thorpe, Randy Vasquez, and Jhony Brito. On the free agency front, Boone expressed optimism about securing Japanese ace Yamamoto, emphasizing the 25-year-old’s decorated career and potential impact as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Multiple teams, including the Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Giants, reportedly vie for Yamamoto’s services.

The Yankees’ Watchful Eye on Red Sox’s Pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto – 2:45 P.M EST

The New York Yankees are keeping a close eye on the Boston Red Sox’s pursuit of Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While the Red Sox may have missed out on Shohei Ohtani, their focus has shifted to another Japanese star, and the Yankees are actively monitoring the situation.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Yamamoto is among the top priorities for the Red Sox during the MLB Winter Meetings. The 25-year-old pitcher has been a standout in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, securing three consecutive pitching Triple Crowns and Pacific League MVP awards with the Orix Buffaloes. Orix posted Yamamoto on Nov. 20, and he has until Jan. 4 to reach an agreement with an MLB team.

The Yankees, along with other prominent teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants, are reportedly interested in signing Yamamoto. The Red Sox’s pursuit of the Japanese pitcher aligns with their need for a top-tier starting pitcher, especially after their rotation ranked 22nd in ERA last season. Craig Breslow, the Red Sox’s new chief baseball officer and a former MLB pitcher, has emphasized a focus on pitching this offseason.

Yamamoto’s connection with current Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who was his teammate on the Buffaloes for six years, adds another layer to the potential match between the pitcher and the Red Sox. Despite strong competition in the free-agent market, the Red Sox, under Breslow’s leadership, believe they are in contention for Yamamoto’s services. The Yankees, however, are closely monitoring the developments and may pose a significant challenge in securing the talented Japanese pitcher.

Yankees race to the top: Front-Runners for Yoshinobu Yamamoto – 12:10 P.M EST

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The Yankees, often linked to Juan Soto rumors, may have a surprise move in the works. According to NJ.com, they’re aggressively pursuing the highly coveted free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sources suggest the Yankees are confidently leading the race for Yamamoto, with an American League executive stating, “The Yankees are telling people they’re ahead of the pack on (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto. Like, way ahead.” Known as Japan’s premier pitcher by multiple metrics, Yamamoto has attracted interest from various MLB teams. If the Yankees secure Yamamoto, it could provide the flexibility to include a pitcher in a potential Juan Soto trade.

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