Yoshinobu Yamamoto seems to be creating waves of speculation this offseason. The 25-year-old Japanese pitcher is about to set his first steps in the MLB world. But the significant question is wearing which jersey? Though the player is silent about his intentions, fans and insiders keep trying to predict his potential landing spots for him. While the New York Yankees have been on the top of the list for a long time, a recent post reveals another contender emerging.

Since Brian Cashman witnessed Yamamoto?s second no-hitter game, the Japanese star has been linked to the Yankees. But the recent scenario shows this won?t be as simple as it seems. Competitors for Yamamoto are constantly emerging as the free agency continues on. Recently, the Toronto Blue Jays showed up as a rival in the Yamamoto pursuit.

The Yoshinobu Yamamoto pursuit is getting harder for the Yankees

The 25-year-old Japanese pitcher is one of the most chased-after players in this year’s free agency. Since his entrance into MLB was confirmed, several teams are thought to be on the list to offer him a spot. However, Toronto has never been a top participant there. But a recent Twitter post has changed this conception.

Ben Nicholson Smith recently shared a part of Ross Atkins? words that read, ?With our starting point of how many starters we already have in our system, we?re in an area of strength. If we can improve in that area, we have to be open to it.? Though the statement doesn?t mention Yamamoto?s name, Smith captioned, ?#BlueJays don?t necessarily need to add a starter, but will be involved in that market, Yamamoto included.?

The Blue Jays season was not bad. Though they clinched a playoff spot, they couldn?t continue after the Wild Card round. So, if they are looking for a starting pitcher for their upcoming seasons, the pitcher with 2 no-hitters will be a great fit for sure. If the Japanese pitcher joins Kevin Gausman, Yusei Kikuchi, and Alek Manosh, it will definitely give the team additional strength in their pitching.

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Also, the team has Kikuchi playing for them, which will strengthen their background with Japanese pitchers. But the competition won?t be an easy one as many other teams are on the same run. The Japanese pitcher is even considered the most chased-after starting pitcher this offseason after Shohei Ohtani.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is giving a hard fight to the MLB pitchers

As the free agency is going forward, several online polls have been taking place. A recent Rob Friedman Twitter poll shows that fans think Yamamoto is the best free agent this season. He even crossed renowned MLB names like Blake Snell and Aaron Nola. He topped with 58.8% votes, while Snell comes second with only 25.3% votes. While Snell is a Cy Young contender this year, fans still prefer the Japanese ace pitcher.

The players and the teams are not yet stating anything officially, so all these are speculations that enthusiasts are making. Unless the free agency ends, fans have to wait to know with whom the 25-year-old pitcher will make his MLB debut.

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