Yankees’ interest in Japenese star pitcher reaching new highs

It’s well-known that the New York Yankees are keenly interested in Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. General Manager Brian Cashman made waves when he flew to Japan to watch Yamamoto pitch a no-hitter for the Orix Buffaloes.

However, the Yankees are taking their interest several steps further. They’ve recently dispatched another top executive to Japan to witness Yamamoto’s pitching prowess, highlighting their intent on acquiring one of the most sought-after arms in the upcoming free-agent market.

Age and Durability: The Yamamoto Advantage

One of the standout attributes that Yamamoto brings to the table is his age—just 25 years old—and his stellar track record of durability. He’s pitched over 170 innings for three consecutive years, proving he’s no flash in the pan. This is particularly enticing for the Yankees, who’ve faced significant injuries in their pitching rotation over the past seasons. But with the contracts of Luis Severino and Frankie Montas expiring—freeing up about $22.5 million—the Yankees are ready to reinvest that capital into a high-caliber starter who boasts both youth and durability.

Following the Success of Kodai Senga: A Bidding War in the Making?

Yamamoto could take inspiration from Kodai Senga, who recently made a successful MLB transition by joining the New York Mets this past off-season. At 30, Senga has pitched 155.1 innings this year, securing a respectable 2.95 ERA and averaging 11 strikeouts per nine innings. Since Yamamoto will be represented by the same agent as Senga, the stage is set for a potential bidding frenzy.