Crosstown Rival Mets Viewed as Yankees’ Biggest Threat for Japanese Superstar

The New York Yankees pursuit for Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues as the club looks to add the superstar pitcher from Japan. Yamamoto, 25 years old, has a legitimate chance of being a Top-5 pitcher in the game during his first MLB season.

With the Yankees needing help in the rotation, adding a second Top-5 arm to pair with Gerrit Cole is certainly in their best interest.

However, they aren't the only team looking to add Yamamoto.

Of those interested, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are teams heavily after the right-hander, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com 

"Some have now characterized the Yankees as the favorites to sign Yamamoto, though the Mets and Dodgers figure to remain firmly in the hunt until a decision is made."

While the Mets won't likely be contending in 2024, owner Steve Cohen's ability to spend and place a talented roster around Yamamoto could have him interested in the future.

As for the Yankees, it's no surprise that their crosstown rivals are rumored to outspend them. The front office understands better than anyone that the team from Queens is always a real threat to land a superstar free agent because of the money Cohen has.

Feinsand also noted that in his reporting:

"It’s tough to count out the Mets in this race. If it comes down to money, Cohen has the ability to outbid anybody, so we could be headed for a New York showdown between the Yankees and Mets that will have the tabloids working overtime as they come up with back-page headlines."

Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner have made impressive moves thus far. Winning the Yamamoto sweepstakes would make things even better than they already are in the Bronx.