While they are competing against some of the biggest and wealthiest franchises in the sport, the New York Yankees are reportedly feeling very good about their chances to land highly-coveted free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
After the Los Angeles Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani the richest contract in North American sports history, the biggest story in MLB free agency is about which team will land Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite National League Cy Young Blake Snell being available, the 25-year-old is the most coveted pitcher in this year’s market.
Related: Risk in New York Yankees trade for Juan Soto got bigger after Shohei Ohtanis $700 million deal
The Japanese ace is only 25 years old and has quickly become the best pitcher in Asia by winning three MVP awards in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. With Yamamoto having the potential to be a star for the next decade the wealthiest teams in baseball, including the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets, have been in hot pursuit for his services.
Earlier this month, a contingent for the Yankees franchise met with the pitcher to persuade him that competing in the Bronx for the foreseeable future is his best option. Both New York teams are viewed as strong contenders for Yamamoto since he reportedly desires to compete on a big market stage in MLB.
New York Yankees had a second meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Sunday
Late last week, LA made a strong pitch that included new addition Shohei Ohtani. On Saturday, the Mets reportedly had a second meeting with Yamamoto that took place at owner Steven Cohen’s home in Connecticut. However, despite serious competition for his services, the Yankees brass reportedly have not lost confidence in their chances to add the biggest pitcher in free agency.
On Sunday, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino reported that before the Yankees were set to have a second meeting with Yamamoto, sources claimed the organization had “cautious optimism” about signing the Japanese ace. Another source claimed the Yankees “like their chances” despite being in a hotly contested battle with the Dodgers and Mets.
Yamamoto is expected to make his decision in the next week or so before his Jan. 4 posting deadline.
