The Winter Meetings might be over but the offseason is just getting started. With the blockbuster trade of Juan Soto to the New York Yankees setting the tone, more big deals are about to come. While Shohei Ohtani’s sweepstakes are the biggest, perhaps the largest collection of teams is possessed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It seems things are finally speeding up in his saga after the Mets owner took a massive step in his bid for Yamamoto.

With the New York Yankees and LA Dodgers heavily after the 25-year-old, could Steve Cohen’s act play spoilsport in their quest? With the Yankees set to meet Yamamoto next Monday, the stakes of that meeting may have increased a little bit more due to a recent incident.

Steve Cohen flies out to Japan to meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto

With every club waiting for Yamamoto’s arrival in the US for final meetings, the Mets owner decided to take matters into his own hands. As per ESPN, Steve Cohen and David Stearns flew to Japan to meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto in person. This showed just how deeply invested Cohen is in bringing the Japanese record-breaking ace to the Amazin’ Mets.

All of this happened before the beginning of the Winter Meetings. Noticing how eager Cohen is to improve his team’s ailing pitching lineup, David Stearns said on Wednesday, “I think it demonstrates Steve’s commitment to do everything he possibly can to bring players to New York.”

This might have left the competing teams worried as Cohen did not only meet Yamamoto but also his family. When the owner flies to meet a player it’s bound to have some effect. The Mets already have monetary superiority and a Japanese player to attract the ace, and this increases their advantage.

Read more: Top MLB Insider Reveals Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Competitive Market, Puts Him Above Shohei Ohtani as Cubs Gain Ground

The Dodgers and Yankees are ready to meet Yamamoto soon. How will this affect their strategy?

Club strategies may have changed

The epic adventures of Steve Cohen have left teams questioning their strategies. Even though Yamamoto will not make a decision without meeting teams, Cohen’s proactiveness could impress him. Now the Dodgers will have to show the Japanese that they’re as invested as the Mets.

The Bronx Bombers have been clear about their interest for a year. This could be an advantage, especially as a scout attended every single Yamamoto game in the past season. Still, GM Brian Cashman knows the high threat that the Mets could become. So he would look to create a memorable impression in their meeting on Monday.

With the hot stove heating up, where will Yamamoto go?

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