Yankees’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto Chances Damaged After Brian Cashman’s Miscalculated Remark on Giancarlo Stanton Rubs Agent the Wrong Way

Brian Cashman’s name has been in the media since last week’s hour-long media discussion. In the meeting that was dominated by the serious defense of the New York Yankees organization, Cashman did end up saying some eyebrow-raising things about Giancarlo Stanton, perhaps rubbing people the wrong way. While trying too hard to maintain a neutral tone, his words stung. Now, that has caught the attention of agent Joel Wolfe. 

Here’s a little tidbit. Wolfe is the agent that represents Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Giancarlo Stanton. What happened with the 2x Silver Slugger award winner in the context of the Yankees GM sounded quite the alarm of caution for the MLB agent about the Japanese right-hander. He could not resist but read the context of the entire interview and spoke his mind without mincing words. 

New York Yankees’ Powerful Agent Makes Note of Brian Cashman’s Words for Future Caution

Joel said, “I think it’s a good reminder for all free agents considering signing in New York both foreign and domestic that to play for that team you’ve got to be made of Teflon, both mentally and physically because you can never let your guard down even in the offseason”. With that, there is a scary question that arises. Could Brian Cashman’s controversial statements have infuriated Wolfe, thinning the chances of NYY to onboard the 25-year-old?

According to reports, Yamamoto would rather play in a large market, which benefits teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets. The San Francisco Giants too are in line in addition to these teams. However, Cashman’s candid remarks regarding “injury-prone“ slugger may have made things more difficult for the Bronx when they were trying to secure the NPB ace who has won the Sawamura Award.

Although Wolfe did not name Stanton or Cashman specifically, there’s conjecture that his remarks indicate some reluctance regarding the Yamamoto-Yankees situation. The Yankees’ general manager spoke of Stanton, the 5x All-Star, who hit a career-low .191 with 24 homers, to the Daily News. “We try to limit the time he’s down. But I’m not gonna tell you he’s gonna play every game next year because he’s not. He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game“.

It is to note that the Yankees finished 2023 with an 82-80 record, which is their lowest in more than thirty years. That said, if the 2017 NPB debutant seems to fell out of the Bronx’s grasp, who would be able to sign him?

If Not New York, Then Where?

Well, Wolfe’s statement mentioned New York which speculatively means that even the Mets’ opportunity with Yamamoto, who will likely be posted this week, would be foregone. If that were to come true, the Dodgers and the Giants would have a huge advantage over the rest. The two teams must be grinning at this, but it will be interesting to watch as the offseason goes on. Could the sought-after Japanese land in one of these two teams? Or would the gates to the Bronx still be open?

Read More : Did Brian Cashman Seal His Fate as Worst GM After Recent Comments?

Logically, it’s tricky to imagine a situation where Yamamoto forfeits a sizable annual salary due to Cashman’s remarks. If Yamamoto does end up elsewhere, fans would undoubtedly call back Cashman’s and Wolfe’s comments. Nevertheless, the world knew that Yamamoto’s bidding would be fiercely competitive, anyway. And in the grand scheme of free agency, these remarks could barely be anything but a footnote.

Read More : Could Cody Bellinger’s Yankees Roots Influence His Free Agency Fate?