Yankees Mentioned As Favorites To Land Star Pitcher In Much-Needed Move

New York needs to make a major move and is the favorite to make the biggest one

The New York Yankees are looking to improve the starting rotation and are hoping to do so by landing the top hurler available. 

New York has been one of the most intriguing teams in baseball this offseason. The Yankees won 82 games last season and have responded by making the biggest move of the offseason.

The Yankees already have brought in superstar Juan Soto and are looking to bring in another one in Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old likely will be making his decision soon and some have labeled the Yankees as the favorite for his services, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"But Yamamoto has been meeting with several teams, all of whom hope to add the talented right-hander to their respective rotations," Feinsand said. "The Yankees, (Los Angeles Dodgers), (San Francisco Giants), (Philadelphia Phillies), (Toronto Blue Jays), and Red Sox have all met with Yamamoto, who must sign before his posting window expires on Jan. 4, and who could make his decision in the next few days.

"Some have now characterized the Yankees as the favorites to sign Yamamoto, though the (New York Mets) and Dodgers figure to remain firmly in the hunt until a decision is made. The Dodgers’ impending trade for Tyler Glasnow didn’t take Los Angeles out of the Yamamoto sweepstakes – in fact, some believe Yamamoto is now their No. 1 priority."

Yamamoto is the exact player the Yankees need. He is young and could help anchor the rotation for years to come. New York has the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner in Gerrit Cole and the 2022 American League Most Valuable Player in Aaron Judge. 

New York's window for a World Series championship is open right now. The Yankees need to make the most of it and landing Yamamoto would help take the club to another level.