New York Yankees reportedly eyeing Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The New York Yankees know they need to strengthen their rotation going forward. Those hopes could lead to their sights turning to Japan.

According to Yahoo Japan, the Yankees are amongst the teams eyeing Orix Buffaloes pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yahoo Japan further reported that more than ten teams are keeping tabs on Yamamoto for when he is posted.

New York Yankees interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto not surprising

It makes sense that the Yankees would look to Japan to fill any holes in their rotation this offseason. After all, Masahiro Tanaka is a free agent once again and could return to New York as he had previously said that he had unfinished business.

While that could still be the case, Yamamoto would be a longer term option for the Yankees rotation. The now 24 year old posted a stellar 15-5 record with a 1.68 ERA and a 0.927 WHiP in his 193 innings, striking out 205 batters with just 42 walks. Perhaps his most impressive stat involved his home runs allowed, as Yamamoto only allowed six homers all season.

He also has the type of arsenal that should play up at the major league level. Yamamoto has an excellent fastball that sits in the mid 90s and can reach 97 MPH while he changes the shape of it seemingly at will. His curve and splitter are both plus offerings, capable of making the best hitters look foolish. He also has a cutter that plays well off of his fastball, giving it a deceptiveness that may not have otherwise been there.

The question is when Yamamoto would come over. Since he is just 24 years old, he would still be subject to the signing pool restrictions. That would change in the 2023-24 offseason as he would no longer be restricted to the signing pool and could receive a much larger contract. If so, the Yankees are doing their best to be ahead of the curve and get a jump on any other interested teams.

The New York Yankees are going to need help in their rotation. It may take another year, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto could be the answer.