New York Yankees Drop Out of Shota Imanaga Sweepstakes, Narrow Down Pitching Targets Amidst Crucial Off-Season

How can the thrill of the off-season subside without knowing what the New York Yankees’ next move is? Having said that, they have been extremely stealthy with their moves after losing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While they continue to navigate through possibilities, one must not forget that the mega-franchise has gone from an excess of starting pitchers to a shocking scarcity this off-season. Amid hopping from one option to another, the latest speculations are quite unexpected.

Well, anxiety soars in New York as the pitchers’ pool goes on reducing. It is no secret that the club has gaps to fill in their roster. But with them pivoting away from Imanaga, are they inching closer to other top-tier pitchers? Jon Heyman of The Post has covered everything, from the Yankees’ lack of interest in Imanaga and their alternative targets to potential destinations for the Japanese pitcher.

Why Are the New York Yankees Not Interested in Shota Imanaga? 

@BRWalkoff tweeted a clip by @JonHeyman where he was seen discussing the possible landing places for the 30-year-old “clincher from Japan”. While weighing his skills and qualities to check which team he could fit in this year, Heyman shared an interesting piece of information. His words were, “Yankees don’t really love Imanaga from what I understand”.

He further went on to discuss the pros and cons of having Imanaga at the Yankee stadium. He shared that the Yanks possibly think of him as more of a fly ball pitcher, which is not be ideal at the Yankee stadium. However, on the upside, him being a left hander is a plus. But one question arises. If not ‘The Throwing Philosopher’ then who? 

Heyman did address the topic of who else could potentially wear pinstripes this spring. He shared that the leadership of the Yanks, though not heavily interested in Imanaga, are “looking more at the top-tier with Snell, Montgomery and maybe some of the trade guys”. With that, it’s worth wondering which team one might find “the crafty guy” after all.  

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If Not New York, Then Where?

While discussing possible destinations for Imanaga, Heyman shared his thoughts. As per him, chances are that the pitcher could land in the San Francisco Giants or the Boston Red Sox. The Chicago Cubs, among other might also be in the mix. There is no doubt that he is a crafty pitcher, though not in the category of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He would definitely be an asset to whichever team recruits him in the foreseeable future. 

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