New York Yankees Named Front-Runners in Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes

The New York Yankees were recently named front-runners in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Could the New York Yankees field two top five players in baseball next season?

The Yankees already have Aaron Judge, but ESPN's MLB insider Buster Olney believes the Bronx Bombers are among the front-runners who could land two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani in free agency after the season ends. 

New York just gave Judge a nine-year, $360 million contract. For Ohtani, his deal is expected to land in a historic stratosphere in the $500-600 million range. 

However, there is some questioning as to whether Ohtani would want to leave the state of California. He would also be forced to make himself available to the media on the more regular basis in New York, which is something he doesn't love to do. 

The Yankees have a luxury tax payroll of $293 million. This figure would surely skyrocket if Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman were to land Ohtani next winter. 

Not only would Ohtani be an impact bat in the middle of the order to pair with Judge, he'd also be the No. 2 starter behind Gerrit Cole in the starting rotation. With Carlos Rodon that would make a three-headed monster. 

Ohtani isn't going to come cheap by any means, but the Yankees should do whatever they can to try to sign him after the 2023 season ends. 

READ MORE:

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- White Sox Reportedly Shopping Ace, Yankees Should be Interested

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