With spring training right around the corner, the New York Yankees are looking to run it back as the reigning American League champions.
Since losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series, the roster has undergone several changes. After missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees shifted their focus on improving their run prevention.
That started with signing left-hander Max Fried to a record $218 million deal in free agency while improving the bullpen greatly with the additions of Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz.
Though the starting rotation is considered one of the team’s top strengths going into spring training, the Yankees find themselves as finalists for Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese phenom who was posted last month.
In predicting where the remaining top free agents will land, Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the Yankees are one of two potential landing spots for the international ace.
“His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I’ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego,” Bowden wrote.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Yankees were among the “obvious front-runners” in the sweepstakes for Sasaki.
Landing Sasaki would be a major improvement both now and for the future. It would certainly mean the Yankees would try to trade away Marcus Stroman and his contract ($18.5 million in 2025) while giving the Yankees a stout starting five.
The Yankees reportedly “committed significant resources” to scout Saski throughout the 2024 season.
With a blistering fastball that reportedly has touched 103 mph and a devastating splitter, Sasaki has been a star in Nippon Professional Baseball. He has a career 2.10 ERA with 505 strikeouts and 91 walks in 394.2 innings pitched.
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