The New York Yankees are looking to build their starting rotation.
New York entered the offseason hoping to improve the middle of the lineup and already have done just that. Now, they need to focus on adding another top-tier starter in free agency or through trade.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the ace of the Orix Buffaloes, has been being pursued by the Yankees, who are considered one of the favorites to sign him. There will be fierce competition for Yamamoto if New York decides to pursue him alone.
Yamamoto and New York recently had a face-to-face meeting, and it will probably take them at least a week to find out if they land him. Meanwhile, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Boston Red Sox will supposedly visit with Yamamoto in person.
“According to a source, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will meet with the Red Sox in the coming days after already meeting with the Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. According to insiders, he is expected to meet with two or three more teams, which may include the Toronto Blue Jays.”
It would be disastrous if Yamamoto, the finest free agent pitcher currently available, signed with the Red Sox. The 25-year-old would probably sign a deal that lasts seven to ten years, so if he signs with the main competitor of New York, the Yankees would be harmed for the foreseeable future.
The Red Sox should be a concern for the Yankees, even though they still appear to be among the favorites to sign him.
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