Yankees’ Top Yoshinobu Yamamoto Alternatives, as Mets and Dodgers Threaten Bombers’ Japanese Ace Pursuit

The New York Yankees have played a massive gamble this offseason. In their bid to get Juan Soto, they traded their top pitching prospects, including Michael King, who had a breakout season in 2023. The biggest reason for this deal was the Yankees’ belief that they would get their top pitching target, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But what if this gamble fails? How will the Bombers get out of the island they’ll find themselves stranded on?

This is a cause of concern, especially because some of the biggest pitchers who could be traded are being pursued by other teams. Will the Yankees focus on other free agents simultaneously as they pursue Yamamoto? Who are the ones that could be their targets?

The New York Yankees’ pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto is still on thin ground

As The Athletic reported after getting Juan Soto, GM Brian Cashman said, “in no uncertain terms, that adding pitching is the team’s No. 1 focus now.” From the beginning, the Bronx Bombers have believed that they are the frontrunners for the Samurai Japan ace. Not just because of their heavy year-long pursuit, but also his apparent interest in pitching for the Yankees. But with the Mets gaining ground and the Dodgers’ newfound fire after getting Ohtani, the competition has increased. As a result, they’ve found themselves in an increasingly difficult market.

Even though pitchers overload the market, other teams are much ahead of the Bronx Bombers in their talks with these players. While the Bombers were focused on Soto, others explored the market. As a result, quality pitchers like Tyler Glasnow are linked with teams like Dodgers. 

At the same time, the Bombers do need pitchers. Other than Gerrit Cole, the entire lineup is shaky at best, and now they’ve lost 7 pitchers in just one week. Michael King, Randy Vásquez, and Jhony Brito are the chief ones among them. With this huge reduction of depth coupled with the questionable form of their current pitchers like Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodón, things look bleak for the Yanks. 

Watch This Story: Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit

But there are pitchers they can go after if the Yamamoto deal falls through. The hope remains alive.

The possible targets for the Bronx

Even though some recent reports indicate the Milwaukee Brewers could be keeping Corbin Burnes, the Yankees can get their attention if the price is right. Even though Burnes’ isn’t in his best of forms, even in his down year his ERA was 3.39. His salary of $15.1 million in his last year of contract is quite affordable for the Bombers.

Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery won’t remain free agents for long. The Yankees will have to move for them quickly as those are some of the most wanted free agents currently. A reunion with Monty could be on the cards here. 

As it stands, the Yankees are in a dangerous spot.

Read more: Amidst Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Rising $300 Million Stakes, Mets Headline Top Teams Chasing Another Japanese Ace