While the New York Yankees are rigorously working on restructuring the team, one name stands out. Their interest in the two-way phenom who needs no introduction has been the talk of the town for long. However, General Manager Brian Cashman has spoken up about whether the Bronx will host Shohei Ohtani.
Some see the possibility of Ohtani in pinstripes, while some make guesses otherwise. But it is Cashman who knows the inside story. In quite a generic tone, he addressed the questions the media asked. It’s worth considering, given that payroll does not seem to be an issue for Yanks, wouldn’t choosing Ohtani be a straightforward task?
Brian Cashman’s Comments On Possibly Signing Shohei Ohtani
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The 56-year-old discussed his thoughts on SNY TV when he was asked on Tuesday about the Yankees’ level of interest. He said, “We’re going to be interested in everything available that can make us better, and then ultimately Hal Steinbrenner will make final calls on what those price tags are and how they would fit.” Clearly, Cashman opted to speak cautiously, since MLB hasn’t yet opened the free-agent signing period. Not only that, he was diplomatic about the following questions too.
Brian Cashman was asked about the interest in Shohei Ohtani:
"He's a great player, we all know that. We will certainly have discussions and find out what's workable and what's not and what's attainable and what isn't" pic.twitter.com/i0ungV0ian
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) November 7, 2023
Upon being asked about rules that prevented him from talking about specific players, he said that he was “caught off guard”. He apologized, saying he got a brain freeze as he directed his answer toward ‘Shotime’. He said, “Obviously, he’s a great player, we all know that. We will certainly have discussions and find out what’s workable and what’s not and what’s attainable and what isn’t”. That said, the team leaves fans speculating on whether Ohtani will ever marry the Yankees organization.
The Yankees had serious offensive problems this season, missing the playoffs. Ohtani’s addition to the team would be a game-changer. Ohtani’s name is famous among with the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and San Francisco Giants are other teams that are under consideration. With other MLB teams aggressively pursuing the pitcher and hitter, it’s tough to predict New York’s move. Do they have budgetary constraints?
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Financial Position of the New York Yankees to Sign Shohei Ohtani
To know the answer, one needs to look at past contracts. The Yankees signed Aaron Judge for $360 million for 9 years and 13 years/ $325 million for Giancarlo Stanton. Considering these, it does not seem like the Yankees have their hands tied in terms of finance. One can’t help but question why there is no definitive stance on Ohtani’s position with the Yanks.
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Ohtani is without a doubt the most sought-after free agent available this season. Despite being unable to pitch in 2024, owing to his surgery, he will allegedly sign a record-breaking contract. Would it be with New York? Only time will tell.
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