There are very few franchises in world sport that will always be in the running for big signings. Real Madrid, Manchester United, the Dallas Cowboys and of course the New York Yankees all fall into this category. These are mega teams, almost bigger than their respective sport itself. Legendary, they are there to recruit the biggest stars, almost without regard to current circumstances.
Let’s not mince our words. The Yankees are coming off a terrible season. But they’re not undone, certainly not like they were in the 80s and 90s when they were swimming all the way to the bottom of the American League for more than a decade. In fact, they’re probably only one or two key elements away from conflict.
So who could they target in the off-season? Where will they focus their efforts? Here are some players who I think could be vital for the Bronx Bombers.
Before you start, Let’s get the obvious elephant in the room out of the way. Shohei Ohtani. While it’s unwise to say “never,” I think it’s almost certain that the Yankees will not make Ohtani wear pinstripes.
There are several reasons for this opinion, from one’s own preferences to the fact that the Yankees appear to be coy about what type of long-term contract he will command. They won’t be satisfied with anything for ten years, and he won’t be satisfied with anything less.
Without his work on the mound, Ohtani is a potential big bat for New York, but he’ll want a contract that eclipses Aaron Judge’s monumental signing and as a lone hitter, that makes him an expensive proposition. If you want bang for your buck, then the Yankees will be better served focusing on Cody Bellinger.
The Cubs wideout is two years out of shoulder surgery that appears to have healed well. He hit .307 with 26 home runs, 29 doubles and an .881 OPS. And all this on the left side.
Another lofty goal for the Yankees should be Yoshinbu Yamamoto. The Orix Buffaloes ace, 25, has just completed his third straight season with an ERA below two. He is THE Japan’s best pitcher, and for a team that suffers from poor alignment too much veterans – who in turn spend a lot of time injured – his youth should be a big factor in the Yankees’ pursuit of him. The market will be extremely hot, but the Yankees will be one of the few teams that can bet hard on him.
There are a few players the Yankees would like, but probably have them no chance signature – think Jordan Montgomery here – and a few they could probably sign, but would be better off avoiding. Josh Hader comes to mind.
Interesting way, Joc Pederson or Tommy Pham could be an interesting backup plan for Cody Bellinger, and while that’s a stretch, there’s the possibility that they could end up being teammates, after their ‘ten-step purse’ slap-face incident last year.
While there is there is no indication that Aaron Boone’s job is in danger, one of the best decisions the Yankees could make would be to take the long view having a more instinctive manager in the dugout. Bengie Gil could be a good choice.
