Yankees 'Optimistic' About Signing Young Star In Game-Changing Move

Could a game-changing move be on the horizon for the Yankees in free agency?

If the New York Yankees can add another top-tier starter to the rotation, they may end up being considered World Series contenders in 2024.

New York somehow won 82 games last season despite having one of the worst offenses in baseball. The Yankees entered the offseason hoping to add some left-handed pop to the lineup while improving the outfield. New York did that in a major way by landing Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. 

The Yankees now are turning their focus to the starting rotation and have been considered one of the favorites to land Orix Buffaloes hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old is the most sought-after free agent starter -- aside from Shohei Ohtanit -- and is expected to meet with clubs this week.

Yamamoto reportedly met with the San Francisco Giants on Sunday and planned to meet with the Yankees on Monday. It's unclear what will come of the meeting, but the Yankees reportedly are "optimistic" about their chances of landing Yamamoto, according to YES Network's Jack Curry.

"A source with knowledge of the Yankees’ interaction with Yamamoto said they remain optimistic about their pursuit of the free agent pitcher," Curry said. "It’s a crumb of info. So I’m sharing a crumb. Stay tuned. We’ll talk Yamamoto, Ohtani, and more on the Yankees Hot Stove at 6:30 PM on YES."

Landing Yamamoto would immediately give the Yankees one of the best rotations in the big leagues on paper. New York may want to add another depth hurler, but a top-of-the-rotation featuring Yamamoto and Gerrit Cole would be one of the best duos in the game. 

It sounds like Yamamoto's market is about to heat up now that Ohtani has signed so it's only a matter of time now until we find out his next team.