Just as the baseball season is changing, so do the numbers on the WAR. The New York Yankees trade speculations are a popular topic of discussion as fans speculate their strategies. One of the biggest talents that the Yankees are keeping an eye on is Shohei Ohtani. But does his contract fit right with the club? Appreciating at least a $500 million contract, are the Yankees willing to pay?

Adding Shotime to the Yankees can be the best step for the upcoming seasons. However, on the flip side, it could create tremendous problems in the payroll that the management probably doesn’t want.

It’s Shohei Ohtani vs. Aaron Judge in WAR

After one of the worst seasons, Yankees management is finally willing to make the changes. Acquiring Shohei Ohtani will be a desired move but would come at a high cost for the team’s payroll. As recent numbers reveal, Ohtani has topped the WAR chart with 26.4, surpassing Aaron Judge at 22.5. The Yankees currently have various players who are under mammoth contracts like the captain, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Carlos Rodon. The question that arises here is whether acquiring Ohtani would make the Yankees spend a massive $500 million, or possibly more

With just Ohtani, Judge, and Cole alone, the Yankee’s payroll will be more than $100 million. Aaron Judge with a contract of $40M per year, and Cole’s at $36M, how will the Japanese sensation fit into the puzzle? The Pinstriped team may even look to switch its payroll structure because being number 2 in the league didn’t do them any favors. Not to mention, Shotime’s pitching future is anyway up in the air for now.

Even if keeping financial jigsaw aside, if the Yankees are willing to pursue Los Angeles Angels star, Shohei Ohtani, the question now is: Ohtani will be willing to join the Bombers in the Bronx? 

Where does Ohtani want to play? 

Frustratingly, the two-way phenom has yet to give a concrete answer. He apparently prefers choosing West Coast teams when considering geography. But he also prioritizes the potential for winning any championship over other factors. Ohtani wants to win big, so he is keeping his eyes open, especially for the West Coast teams.

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While any number of theories exist, with analysts exhausting themselves over predictions, it’s truly tough to say where he might go. The list has narrowed, however, so let’s see what this winter brings for everyone’s favorite baseballer.

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