The New York Yankees are getting back-to-back punches. After their forgettable regular season, they are getting hits even in the offseason as well. Since the free agency is almost knocking at the door, The Yankees are trying to focus on their targets. Unfortunately, that’s also not a smooth way to proceed. Rivals surround all the way, eyeing for the same players. The team probably realizes it better as their Yoshinobu Yamamoto chase encounters a roadblock again. A recent Podcast reveals a potential emerging contender in Yamamoto pursuit.

The Yankees have suffered through bad pitching issue throughout the season. Except for Gerrit Cole, no other pitcher marked any significant contribution. So, when Brian Cashman witnessed Yamamoto’s second career no-hitter, fans assumed he will be on Yankees the next season. The GM has been silent all the time, though. However, recent news exposes the St. Louis Cardinals, also probably eyeing the Japanese rising star.

The St. Louis Cardinals Creating Uncertainties For The New York Yankees

Yamamoto has proved his worth during the Japanese leagues games. So, undoubtedly, he will be a valuable free agent this year. However, except for the Yankees, there are already several other contenders to chase him. Now, Lars Nootbaar’s statement almost confirm the Cardinals’ interest. During a podcast, Nootbaar said, “I was talking to him a little bit yesterday. That’s my guy.” However, he didn’t exactly express what he said to the 25-year-old Japanese Pitcher.

While the host was joking about the conversation, the outfielder said that he told Yamamoto about the toasted ravioli and informed him the weather in St. Louis is as hot as it is in Japan. However, importantly, the 26-year-old outfielder revealed, “I’m trying to do my things for the St. Louis community for sure.”

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Yamamoto and Nootbaar both represent Japan and it seems that the latter is making a sound move to grab the former’s interest in the St. Louis’ MLB team, pointing out the suitable points. While the Cardinals were not on the contender list, their sudden appearance made things further difficult for the Yankees.

For both teams, Yamamoto will be a great inclusion. Especially the Yankees will get a great pitching lineup with Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Yamamoto playing together. But this won’t be easy as the deal can cost the teams more than $200M to land the Japanese ace. But Yamamoto has other options as well.

What Are the Other Probable Landing Spot for Yamamoto?

While Yankees and Cardinals are emerging as the most potent contenders, they are not the only two teams chasing him. Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, etc., several other teams will also be assumed to offer him. The pitcher has maintained 1.72 ERA in 7 professional seasons and won the third consecutive NPB Triple Crown. These achievements are enough to attract any big MLB franchise.

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The Yamamoto free agency window will probably open in December for 30 days. This will be the time when fans can see the deals he receives and the team he agrees to join.

Watch the Story: Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman Faces Japanese Ace Showdown After Shocking Kodai Senga Revelation by Yoshinobu Yamamoto