Yankees to Meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Pursuit of Japanese Right-Hander

The New York Yankees are taking another step in their pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a highly sought-after Japanese right-hander. General Manager Brian Cashman and his team will be meeting with Yamamoto and his representatives in Southern California. This meeting comes after the Yankees’ recent trade for Juan Soto, which marked their first major move of the offseason.

Extensive Scouting and High Potential

The Yankees have been extensively scouting Yamamoto, with Cashman even flying to Japan in September to watch him pitch a no-hitter. Cashman’s top lieutenants have also scouted Yamamoto in person, leaving the team impressed with the 25-year-old’s potential. Cashman described Yamamoto as a “tremendous opportunity” and a “very impressive and talented player.”

Competition from Rival Teams

The Yankees face stiff competition from other big-market teams in their pursuit of Yamamoto. The New York Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns, recently flew to Japan to meet with Yamamoto and his family. The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their recent signing of Shohei Ohtani, are also interested in Yamamoto. Other teams linked to Yamamoto include the San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Potential Price Tag and Luxury Tax Threshold

The crowded competition for Yamamoto could drive up his price tag, potentially reaching $300 million, including posting fees. The Yankees, however, appear willing to surpass the highest luxury-tax threshold of $297 million to secure Yamamoto. Acquiring Soto and potentially adding Yamamoto would push their luxury-tax payroll over $300 million, unless they decide to shed salary elsewhere on the roster.

A Special Addition to the Rotation

The Yankees see Yamamoto as a strong potential piece of their rotation for years to come. As a three-time winner of Nippon Professional Baseball’s top pitcher award, Yamamoto is known for his high-level strike-throwing ability, athleticism, and wide arsenal of pitches. The Yankees can also point to the success they have had with other Japanese stars, such as Masahiro Tanaka and Hideki Matsui, who have thrived in New York.

The Yankees’ Attractiveness as a Destination

The Yankees’ worldwide brand and success in attracting and developing Japanese players could work in their favor in the pursuit of Yamamoto. Cashman expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and its goal of being the “mecca of baseball.” The positive experiences of players like Tanaka and Matsui can serve as testimonials to the quality of the organization and the enjoyable environment it offers.