4 Alarm Bells Indicating Why Yoshinobu Yamamoto May Be a Wrong Move for the New York Yankees

The winter of 2023 has been abuzz with the free agency of Shohei Ohtani. However, with his matter settling down, another Japanese name is at the peak of hearsay. Ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The forerunners for this Orix Buffaloes star are the New York Yankees, the Mets, the San Francisco Giants, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. But where will he fit the best? Regardless of the team he joins, including the Yankees, here are four warning signs suggesting that Yoshinobu Yamamoto might not be the right choice for the Bombers.

It’s no secret that Ohtani’s gargantuan yet flexible contract of $700 million has given a lot of room to the Dodgers to accommodate other players with a winning gene. Topping the list of these players is, of course, Yamamoto, who is being aggressively pursued by the New York Yankees. Is this tug-of-war worth it for the Yanks, considering the following four alarm bells? 

New York Yankees Pivoting? Cost, Competition, and More

It’s a bit alarming to acknowledge that ‘Yoshi’ may not actually be a brilliant choice in the Bronx. While the expectations of a potential Yama-Soto swell, there are certain factors to consider that may not be a complete win-win. By adding Yamamoto, the Yankees payroll would surpass $300 million. This would be a record during the Hal Steinbrenner era. 

Despite the financial aspect of the matter, Brian Cashman said, when he was in Nashville, “When there’s an opportunity to add more to the (rotation’s) front end, you’ve got to play on it’’. But is it wise? One can’t say for sure, considering the immense competition from South California.

It’s impossible to rule out the New York Mets too. Not to mention, with their recent “Yamamoto Airlines” plea they’re taking salesmanship to another level. Yet another team in close contention is the San Francisco Giants. They seemingly have made progress as per sources. A recent tweet by @Buster_ESPN also stated “The Giants met yesterday with pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He’s got a lot of big market teams bidding for his services.”

That said, the level of competition is not low for the Yankees, especially when there is a limited window till the 4th of January. Additionally, NYY should look at the aspect of cost under a microscope, while keeping their options open. 

Is Yoshinobu Yamamoto Read for New York?

Look, the New York Yankees are a mega franchise. They need to juxtapose quality and compatibility with their current players to deem a newcomer fit for the lineup. But in the case of this 25-year-old, a lack of MLB experience might pose as more than just a hiccup. Having the debutant with no big league feel could be a double-sided sword. While the youth’s unmatched hurler energy could be an advantage, there is a disadvantage too. 

New York is an unfamiliar territory. For the 5x NPB All-Star to ease into the Big Apple might be a task. Let alone familiarizing with folks on the team. Even if that were to not be an issue, what about the ever so passionate-aggressive Yankees faithful? Well, one is not unfamiliar with how the fans are brutally put folks on thin ice. Brian Cashman is an example. One may say, Yamamoto is different, but is he really?

Agreed that Yamamoto is a 3x Pacific League Golden Glove Award winner, 3 consecutive Eiji Sawamura (Japanese equivalent to the Cy Young) award winner, a 3x Pacific League MVP, and more. But the heat of MLB amid the passionate fan base is an experience that could shake up even the best of the best. That said, if Yamamoto were to not sign with New York, what is their Plan B? 

What’s the New York Yankees’ Plan B?

Taking into a parallel where the Yankees are outbid, it is imperative that they pivot. Though Yama-Soto is a starry possibility, focusing on another starting pitcher might be a great logical call. Here are some options; World Series champion, Jordan Montgomery and the NL Cy Young Award-winning Blake Snell of 2023. There are additional names to consider. 

Watch This Story : Yankees Secure A Special Gift As The Japanese Ace Makes His Way To Be A Free Agent

Giving up the possibility of a faltering Yamamoto acquisition, it’s safe to shift attention to Corbin Burnes. He would be a great option to trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for a price tag much lower than the Japanese star. Another name comes to mind – Frankie Montas. The 30-year-old Dominican pitcher represented by super agent Scott Boras. While as per Pinstripes Nation, Cashman did initiate talks about their collaboration, there has not been much advancement known. 

Could the Yankees Actually Afford Yama-Soto?

It is worth noting that the Yanks could accommodate the aforementioned names in more cost-effective deals than Yoshi. The element of cost becomes even more important considering the Yankees’ latest and hottest acquisition, Juan Soto. This was possibly the biggest reason to celebrate in 2023 after a disappointing season, especially when there is a chance the 14-year WS drought might finally end. With Soto’s expected $33 million salary for 2024, and $300 million for Yamamoto, it might be a long shot for the Yanks. 

That said, going after other players who might make more financial sense for the franchise and foregoing Yoshi could be a rather suitable option. While these alarms sound the loudest bells, the ball is pretty much in Cashman’s court. With a 45-day negotiation period, the leadership’s call is monumental. One can only wait and watch. 

Read More: After Shohei Ohtani’s $700 Million Deal With the Dodgers, What Will it Take For New York Yankees To Lock Juan Soto in Pinstripes?