The New York Yankees seem to be brimming with confidence. The underway Winter Meetings might have sped things up in favor of the Yankees, especially where a certain Japanese pitcher is concerned. Team officials have been dropping cues that the media i foreseeing some soon-to-come good news. Is it Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Juan Soto, or both? 

Addressing the Japanese star, one knows that he is right now one of the hottest free agents in the market. With several suitors in line, it’s worth guessing in whose favor the odds are. That said, there is cause to believe that the Bronx might just be “ahead of the pack on Yamamoto. Like, way ahead”. 

The New York Yankees Might Have an Upper Hand

As per a tweet by @WFAN660, there is information that, “The Yankees are reportedly telling people they are “way ahead” of the pack in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes”. With that, it is important to also note that there may not be any conclusion of the Yamamoto-Yankees union by the end of the Winter Meetings.  

Another video by @snyyankees displayed a snippet of Brian Cashman’s talk with the media about his recent trip to Japan. Cashman said, “All of it plays a part. A negotiation’s an important part of it. But those type of personal touches are also important. So I’d rather put our best foot forward in every way and not just, `Here’s what our offer is,’ and then leave it like that.”

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In addition to that, manager Aaron Boone’s words on a rendezvous with the Orix Buffaloes star give some insights further. “I’ve met him once before in the past actually, and I do plan on meeting him again, yes,” he told ABC News. “Just in kind of passing at some point in the winter. He was in a place that I was, and I got introduced to him, so that was it”.

Is the Pinstripes’ confidence worth looking into? Or might it be misplaced?

Who Is the Other Suitor for Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

While the Yankees seem convinced of their chances, another team shared their thoughts on the young free agent. San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin went to Japan as well. Undoubtedly impressed with the right-hander, he was all praises of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and was certain that every team would love to have him, including San Fran. 

Read More: Yankees’ Uncharacteristic Glee Sparks Speculation: Is the Juan Soto Trade at Near Finish Line?

 The Kyodo News reports that nearly half of the league has made calls regarding Yamamoto. A few executives who are interested in him revealed to the Chronicle on Sunday that they think the Giants are the better team.

But as SNY stated, Yamamoto will meet with several finalists only following the Winter Meetings.

Watch This Story: Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit