New York Yankees Rumors: Key move opens door for Ohtani

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani
TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani /
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The New York Yankees making an under the radar transaction may help them land Shohei Ohtani.

The New York Yankees seem to always make all the right moves, no doubt making Tom Cruise a proud man. The 2017 offseason is no different, with an under the radar trade making it more likely to land International phenomenon Shohei Ohtani.

Garrett Cooper was a bright spot for the New York Yankees in his limited playing time, slashing .326/.333/.488 in a meager 45 plate appearances. An injury landed him on the Disabled List, followed by finishing the year in the Minor Leagues, but he was of worth to the 2017 squad.

His recent departure from the New York Yankees may be his finest moment, but not for reasons you may think. Cooper was recently traded, providing the New York Yankees with more wiggle room to land Ohtani.

Who is this Ohtani that you speak of?

SHOHEI OHTANI BOASTS A HIGHER STRIKEOUT RATE THAN CLAYTON KERSHAW AND BETTER HOME RUN RATE THAN BRYCE HARPER. THE QUESTION NOW IS: WHICH BIG LEAGUE TEAM WILL LET HIM PLAY BOTH WAYS?

Why is it so important for the New York Yankees, or anyone else for that matter, to land Shohei Ohtani?

Ohtani has earned the title of the “Japan’s Babe Ruth” with his power bat and a stellar cannon for an arm.

Ohtani, in Japan, has hit .326/.411/.570 with 89 runs, 34 doubles, hustling out two triples, hitting 30 home runs, 98 RBI, and stealing seven stolen bases in that span the past few seasons.

Unfortunately for us American baseball fans, Ohtani had an ankle injury which hindered him from playing in the World Baseball Classic.

But, soon enough, the entire world will know of his mad skills, which will be on display at the biggest stage, under the bright lights.

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Other front-runners for Ohtani and their available money to spend Internationally.

  • Texas Rangers: $3,535,000
  • Minnesota Twins: $3,245,000
  • Pittsburgh Pirates $2,266,750
  • Miami Marlins $1,740,000
  • Seattle Mariners: $1,570,500
  • Philadelphia Phillies: $900,000
  • Milwaukee Brewers: $765,000
  • Arizona Diamondbacks:$731,250
  • Baltimore Orioles: $660,000
  • Boston Red Sox: $462,000
  • Tampa Bay Rays: $440,500

Next: Minnesota Twins Rumors: Are they now in the hunt for Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani is a hot commodity and if the young New York Yankees squad could add him to their lineup and their pitching staff in 2018 and beyond, look out.