The league stage of the 2023 MLB season is about to end. But to the surprise of many, the New York Yankees are not in the championship as the table stands. They are fourth in the AL East and 6.5 games behind the precious wild card spot. Because it has happened after spending second highest in the league, it has brought criticism to the glory of the Bronx. Being the GM, Brian Cashman has been the first recipient of it. It seems Cashman understood the reason and wanted to make a change that could help them in the future by signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, it seems the unliked GM has a change of plans.

Given the past reports, the Pinstripes looked very interested in the 25-year-old pitcher. Cashman’s presence in a game that saw Yamamoto throw a no-hitter added to the fire. But it seems they have backed down from approaching the World Baseball Classic winner. Reportedly, the reason behind it is the choice of Yamamoto to choose the same path as his fellow countrymen Kodai Senga. Given that they failed to sign Senga last season, is his indirect involvement behind the fearful change in the most pursued move?

Yankees shift focus from Yoshinobu Yamamoto to his 21-Year-Old countrymate

It was in the market that the Bronx Bombers were eyeing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The reason behind it was his constant powerful performances. But it seems there is a change in the approach. According to a post shared by the Yankees video, they have shifted their focus to 21-year-old Roki Sasaki.

It read, “High-ranking Yankees officials are already ‘personally scouting’ 21-year-old Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki.” It comes as a surprise that the shift has been on a 21-year-old, who is years away from making it to the MLB. Given that Yamamoto has better skills and experience, it would make it easier for him to get posted for MLB.

And it seems, the Orix Buffaloes star has made a first step in that direction. According to SNY Mets, he has chosen the path of Kodai Senga. They shared a post that read, “Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be represented by the same agent as Kodai Senga and Edwin Diaz when he comes to MLB.” This is great for the Japanese star. But is the reason behind the Yankees pulling away from his dream? Let’s analyze.

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Is Kodai Senga behind Brian Cashman’s shift?

Kodai Senga was also on the wishlist of the Yankees. But the latter moved out from the deal and left the player to move to their counterparts. The reason Senga did not sign for the Pinstripes was supposed to be the money. And as Yamamoto chose the same agent who has made deals with the Mets, it seems Cashman fears seeing an inflated asking prize.

And given the estimates already to be close to $200 million, the competition could increase them further. And with the Yankees already fighting the costly deal of Carlos Rodon, it seems their GM does not want to get into the mud again. He has shifted to a better prospect. But the deal is still not off and the Bronx could fight for it. Do you think the Yankees will overcome their fears and sign Yamamoto? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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