Prior to the beginning of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, it was perceived the New York Yankees were the perfect fit for the Japanese superstar.
However, dreams of Ohtani in pinstripes were dashed on Sunday when it was announced the Yankees were no longer in the running to sign him.
The Yankees have been informed that they are OUT in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 3, 2017
Ohtani’s representatives informed Yankees general manager Brian Cashman that they would not be invited to make an in-person presentation. The Yankees did send in a presentation, and while the representatives were impressed, the Yankees aren’t what Ohtani is looking for. Ohtani would prefer to sign with a West Coast or a small market team, and as we’re all aware the Yankees are neither. But given the Yankees success with Japanese superstars, the pairing seemed like a logical fit.
From what Cashman told reporters, Ohtani prefers small market team on West Coast. I’m surprised. With their history w/ Matsui, Kuroda, Ichiro and Tanaka, I thought Yankees had good chance to sign him.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) December 3, 2017
With the Yankees no longer in the running, they’ll pivot towards other options to improve the starting rotation. The most logical choice would be to bring CC Sabathia back on a short term deal. The Yankees spoke with Sabathia’s agent last week.
Cashman also said he spoke with Scott Boras during the GM Meetings last month. However the topic of discussion wasn’t $153 Million man Jacoby Ellsbury. The Yankees are reportedly interested in trying to move Ellsbury this winter. But with his current contract, the feat may be almost impossible.
