Rising Star Linked To Yankees If They Don't Land Yoshinobu Yamamoto

It sounds like a reunion could be on the horizon for the Yankees

The New York Yankees' starting rotation surely will look different in 2024. 

New York already has improved the outfield with the additions of Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo and now the club needs to do the same to the rotation. The Yankees are attempting to do so by adding Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but may not land him when it's all said and done. 

If the Yankees miss out on Yamamoto, one player who reportedly could be an option is former Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Texas Rangers lefty Jordan Montgomery, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. 

"If the Yankees wanted to hold their prospects, a reunion with Jordan Montgomery would be the team's best option in free agency," Kirschner said. "Montgomery pitched himself into a nine-figure contract and showed he's more than capable of leading a rotation for a World Series team.

"Montgomery was traded by the Yankees in 2022 but left no ill will toward the organization. He still has several supporters inside the Yankees, including (Gerrit Cole)."

Montgomery has been mentioned as a fit on numerous occasions this offseason and would be significantly less expensive than Yamamoto. Although this is the case, Yamamoto remains the club's top choice. The Yankees have intense competition for Yamamoto's services so it's a toss-up whether or not they will land him.

If they miss out on him, Montgomery would be a perfect second option. He already has spent time in the organization and is a rising star. He has logged an ERA under 4.00 in each of the last three seasons and certainly could help improve the Yankees' rotation.