“We’re very interested in bringing him back.” Yankees GM Brian Cashman might have shown their intention in bringing Cody Bellinger back, but the situation doesn’t seem to be leaning in their favor. Nick Selbe and Will Laws of Sports Illustrated recently projected that Bellinger would leave New York for the Phillies in free agency. And now, comments from Bellinger’s wife about how much they enjoyed their time in Chicago are adding even more uncertainty.

Well, Bellinger is coming off a strong year in the Bronx, hitting .272/.334/.480. So, losing him would cost the Yankees an everyday outfielder and occasional first baseman. Still, based on what Cashman seems to be prioritizing right now, it looks like the Yankees might be preparing for the possibility that Bellinger chooses elsewhere and shifting their focus accordingly.

“Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is poised to enter the MLB market after his club, the Seibu Lions, confirmed their intent to post him,” BVM Sports reported.

You might have guessed it right. The Yankees are now more focused on landing the newest Japanese sensation, even at the cost of avoiding Bellinger’s attention.

Well, Imai brings a lot to the table. This includes an impressive strikeout rate (27.8%), a fastball that sits around 95 mph, and a unique reverse slider that got an eye-popping 45.9% whiff rate in Japan.

And with all that, he’s expected to land a deal north of $140 million.

Thus, making him one of the most sought-after pitchers in this year’s free-agent class.

Now, Cashman hasn’t been shy about the Yankees’ interest in Imai, saying he’s open to players from “anywhere in the world, including Japan.” And it’s easy to see why.

Notably, Cole, Rodon, and Schmidt are in line to pitch next season. But all three will be coming off elbow surgeries. And add in the fact that Gil missed most of the year with a shoulder issue, the Yankees’ rotation surely needs serious depth.

Hence, Imai, who profiles as a mid-rotation arm with potential No. 1 upside, might be the best fit.

But the big question is what pursuing Imai means for the rest of the roster, especially the outfield. If the Yankees commit $140 million to Imai, that could effectively shut the door on bringing Bellinger back.

The Yankees also have to consider their financial reality. They’re already nearing the highest luxury-tax tier, and committing around $140 million to Imai, plus adding a star outfielder like Tucker, Tatis Jr., or Bellinger, would push them into severe tax penalties.

That makes it harder for Hal Steinbrenner to justify multiple megadeals, which explains why Cashman may be prioritizing pitching depth over a full-scale push to retain Bellinger.

The Yankees are working to find Bellinger’s replacement

It would be a lie to say that the Yankees are not working on their outfield.

Well, it’s no secret anymore that the Yankees are eyeing Kyle Tucker as a possible replacement if Bellinger leaves. But going all-in on Imai could complicate that plan, too.

Why? Because Tucker is expected to command well over $400 million. But then there’s the real curveball!

FanSided’s Christopher Kline suggested that the Yankees could actually emerge as a top trade destination for Fernando Tatis Jr.!!!

Tatis is coming off a season where he hit .268/.368/.446 with 25 homers, 71 RBIs, and 32 steals over 155 games. Add in two Platinum Gloves, and he’s elite, offering a clear defensive upgrade over Bellinger’s single Gold Glove. Moreover, with Tatis, the Yankees would gain a dynamic defender in the outfield. He could even cover shortstop if Anthony Volpe ever goes down.

However, the hope now is that the Yankees move quickly if they’re serious because another contender could easily jump in and snag Tatis. And Yankees fans know all too well how often that kind of heartbreak has played out in the past.