The New York Yankees were cooking earlier but served everyone with a bowl of disappointment when the team failed to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It was a disheartening experience for every Bronx fan, not just because they lost a potential star but also because that star was just what the team needed to achieve balance. With the Yankees now trading a hitter for a pitcher, are the Yankees done with pitching free agents?

Though the Bronx Bombers have been linked with pitchers like Shota Imanaga and Jordan Montgomery, doubts persist among the Yankees faithful regarding these players. With the Pinstripes losing more than their fair share of pitchers this offseason, is getting one of these stars an absolute must for the Bronx?

The lack of pitching depth could hurt the New York Yankees

When the offseason officially began, the New York Yankees had perhaps the best bullpen in the league. With some of the top prospects on their roster, pitching seemed like the one area with abundance. But then their bid to get Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo led to the Bombers trading away most of their pitching prospects. Suddenly abundance gave way to scarcity, something the Yankees need to take care of now.

The Pinstripes have taken a few steps to solve this issue. Earlier in December, the Yankees traded Victor Gonzalez from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now they’ve acquired Cody Morris in exchange for Estevan Florial from the Cleveland Guardians. But these are low-key signings, the Yankees must look for more.

These additions increase depth but it’s undeniable that the Yankees need at least one more starting pitcher. Other than Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt, the Pinstripes’ rotation has been marred with inconsistency. Perhaps that’s why they’re linked with Jordan Montgomery and Shota Imanaga. 

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The question is between Monty and Imanaga, who is it that suits the current Yankees more?

Imanaga or Montgomery – the most suitable target?

Shota Imanaga is still unproven in the league but his record in NPB was remarkable. His consistency coupled with a deadly variety of pitches in his arsenal makes him a delicious target. At the same time, Imanaga’s costs will be relatively lower with next to no chance of a triple figure. Imanaga could prove to be immensely advantageous. 

At the same time, Montgomery has already tasted success at Yankee Stadium and is a popular figure in the clubhouse. Monty has only grown better since leaving the Yankees and with a proven record in the league, he is a relatively safe signing for the Bombers. Though Monty’s cost could go much higher than Imanaga’s. 

In the end, the Yankees still have some work to do this offseason.

Read more: Not Jordan Montgomery, Could the Yankees Look at Another Ex-Bombers Pitcher to Bolster the Bullpen?