New York Yankees Prioritize Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as Pitching Depth Suffers Amidst Blockbuster Juan Soto Deal

The New York Yankees currently need more quality. It may sound amusing, especially in light of their blockbuster trade involving Juan Soto, but it’s indeed true. The Bombers had to sacrifice pitching quality to get the Dominican slugger. Barring their ace Gerrit Cole, their lineup is struggling. Now, with the loss of Michael King, things have escalated to a concerning juncture. All of this has led to an increased need for superstar pitchers, someone like Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

While at least half of the league is after Yamamoto, there is no doubt that the Yankees are ahead of the rest. Their only competition is the New York Mets. With a meeting set for Monday, the Bronx squad can trigger a signing that will be the first step to solving their self-made need – quality pitching.

How Yankees’ pitching depth disappeared this offseason

When the offseason started pitching was not an area of concern, as the New York Yankees had a huge depth of pitchers. Though the injuries ravaged their pitchers in 2023, things could have been different in 2024. The hope was that one addition like Yamamoto would solve most of their problems. But things have taken an unexpected turn.

While Gerrit Cole is in great form, the rest of their rotation looks weaker. Last season Michael King and Jhony Brito threw a combined 194 innings, which will not be visible anymore since the two players have been traded off. On the same note, the existing players like Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortez, and Clarke Schmidt have proved highly inconsistent throughout the season.

In both their trades, the Yankees have used pitchers as trading chips. Now the team with depth is looking for pitchers. As reported by the New York Post, Brian Cashman has commented, “We’re in the market for pitching, rotation, bullpen, combo, all of the above.” That makes the Yoshinobu Yamamoto deal that much more necessary. 

Read more: Will Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Sweepstakes Pick Up Pace, as Juan Soto Deal Kickstarts Big Off-Season Moves?

Although the Samurai Japan ace would solve many of their problems, he alone wouldn’t be enough. The Yankees will have to go for more pitchers as well. However, this may be an opportune time for it, as the offseason market is currently filled with pitching free agents. 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the rest of the Bombers’ potential targets

Yamamoto remains the Yankees’ numero uno when it comes to pitchers. The 25-year-old has every team’s attention due to his huge potential. But there’s more than just him in the market right now.

Namely, Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell. Although it’s expected that Snell will go for a big salary, if the Yankees fail to get Yamamoto, Snell would be a huge target for them. And Monty has transformed quite a bit since his pinstripes days. The 2023 World Series champion would surely enter right into their rotation if they get him.

Yamamoto or not, the Bombers will have to go for other pitchers as well.

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