The New York Yankees are already standing from a place of strength when it comes to the starting rotation.
However, there’s a chance they land a big fish that could help the team both now and into the future. With 23-year-old Japanese ace Roki Sasaki being posted for the 2025 signing period, which begins Dec. 15, the Yankees are expected to be in the mix.
General manager Brian Cashman said at the Winter Meetings that the Yankees have a presentation prepared for an eventual meeting with Sasaki, but it’s unclear if and when that will take place.
In naming the top landing spots for the young ace, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report had the Yankees at No. 5.
“Starting pitching is already a strength for the Yankees, but the organization should treat overkill as underrated. It was a huge win that they got to the World Series for the first time in 15 years, but a huge loss that they won only one game in losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers,” Rymer wrote. “The Yankees can attempt to sell Sasaki on the chance to be the guy who takes the team back over the top. With help, of course, from Cole, Fried, Aaron Judge and up-and-comers like Anthony Volpe and top prospect Jasson Domínguez.”
Adding Sasaki and his 100-mph fastball to the rotation would give the Yankees an elite starting five. They already have Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil returning. Then, they added All-Star left-hander Max Fried to the mix on a $218 million deal.
Sasaki will have the chance to choose his landing spot, and it seems the Yankees could be right in the mix.
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