MLB Insider Predicts Low Profile Yankees Off-Season, Despite Juan Soto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto Links

With everyone expecting fireworks, what if the New York Yankees do the exact opposite? After a disappointing season, GM Brian Cashman could have splashed money in order to make some major signings. But in a market that is extremely pitcher-heavy, what can be the role of the Pinstripes who are more desperate for batters?

Their 2023 problems dealt with an Aaron Judge injury and Anthony Rizzo losing his form. Coupled with the starting pitchers suffering from more injuries, what if the Yankees only focus on increasing depth and call it a day?

The current market doesn’t suit the New York Yankees

Though there are big names like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Cody Bellinger up for grabs, the Bronx Bombers may bypass them. Bellinger’s injury problems worry the front office while Ohtani’s alleged dislike for pitching at Yankee Stadium makes his presence a little unlikely. The offense is a more glaring gap than pitching, so spending $200 million for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, arguably the biggest name after Shotime, seems a tad bit excessive.

The question of Juan Soto in Pinstripes has long been debated. The Padres will have to let him go if they want to cut costs and the Bronx could be a landing spot. But will they agree to a single year before the slugger hits free agency in the 2024 offseason?

This leads to a situation where the Yankees might only focus on finding younger talents with potential. ESPN has predicted that they can go after pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Jung-ho Lee, “Maybe this offseason calls for the Yankees to show a little patience, add depth in Imanaga and Lee.”

As always, the Bombers will face tough competition, especially for Jung-ho Lee, who is a highly sought-after talent. The 25-year-old with a career average of .340 in KBO, per ESPN, has rocked the baseball world. But the Bronx club might still sniff around to see if the chips can fall in their favor.

Yankees could still pursue other names

Jordan Montgomery is an obvious choice and the Bronx Bombers could look for a nice homecoming for their former pitcher. Carlon Rodon and Nestor Cortes will also have someone to cover for them as they recover from injury.

Read more: Yankees Slugger Reveals His and Aaron Judge’s Shohei Ohtani Tactic, as Two-Way Star’s Hitting Provides Top Inspiration

Other than him though, the list of major free agents looks quite empty. Maybe because their biggest target is actually a trade deal for Juan Soto. They can get him this year or they can wait for his free agency next year.

If the Yankees do keep a low profile this offseason, they will have to perform well in 2024. The fans are already losing patience and an empty offseason could upset them more.

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