Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the most sought-after pitchers in the free agency market. The Japanese sensation recently posted, allowing MLB teams to start the bidding war on him. While no resolution appears in sight yet, two notable teams are reportedly still in on their attempts to acquire him.
Those two teams are none other than the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. The Mets and Yankees are reportedly still seeking Yamamoto and the feelings still appear mutual.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported the update.
“The Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes won’t come to a conclusion this week, but the Yankees and Mets will certainly be in the mix,” Feinsand said. He noted that Mets owner Steve Cohen met Yamamoto in Japan last week and that the Yankees plan to meet with him next Monday.
The Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes won’t come to a conclusion this week, but the Yankees and Mets will certainly be in the mix. Per sources, Steve Cohen visited Yamamoto in Japan last week, while the Yankees will meet with him on Monday. @WillSammon and @jonmorosi were on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 6, 2023
So, in other words, a decision won’t come anytime soon on that front. Yamamoto is clearly taking his time and doing his due diligence. By most, that will be respected, much like Shohei Ohtani’s call for privacy during his free agency period.
The Yankees are reportedly busy on the acquisition front right now. Rumors have linked the team to Juan Soto all offseason and the trade rumors have heated up over the course of the week. The Mets signed ex-Yankees pitcher Luis Severino earlier this offseason but have been otherwise temperamental with their signings.
