Yankees Will Be 'Strong Contenders' To Sign Top Free Agent Pitcher In Game-Changing Move

New York reportedly could end up landing the best starting pitcher in free agency this winter

The New York Yankees could have one of the best starting rotations in baseball by the time the 2024 season rolls around.

New York has a solid base with American League Cy Young Award favorite Gerrit Cole and former All-Star Nestor Cortés looking for a bounce-back season. The Yankees have been linked to multiple star hurlers already in free agency and it sounds like they could end up landing the best one available. New York reportedly will be "strong contenders" for Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, according to SNY's Andy Martino. 

"According to league sources, Yamamoto is set to be posted soon by his NPB team, the Orix Buffaloes," Martino said. "Once that happens, he will have 45 days to sign with a team. The Mets are all over Yamamoto, but word around the game is that the Yankees will be very strong contenders for his services.

"Steve Cohen’s offer might have to seriously overwhelm his Bronx neighbors in order to compete for a pitcher who has drawn scouting comparisons to Tim Lincecum."

If the Yankees could land Yamamoto this offseason and pair him with Cole, they could end up forming the best starting pitching duo in baseball. Yamamoto is just 25 years old and in seven professional seasons with the Buffaloes has a career 1.72 ERA. He is one of the most exciting free agent pitchers in years and could be a game-changer for the Yankees. 

New York needs to make a major splash this offseason. After winning just 82 games in 2023, it has a lot of work to do to get back to being a World Series contender. Landing Yamamoto would be a massive step in the right direction.