News and rumors regarding the Philadelphia Phillies December 11: Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the NY Yankees are allegedly meeting.
There could be some movement on that front that affects Rhys Hoskins, and it’s possible that the contest for this year’s class’s second-highest-profile name will be decided inside the borders of New York City.
A “contingent” from the Yankees will travel to Los Angeles on Monday to meet with Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, according to a report published on Sunday by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The Dodgers and Mets complete what Heyman refers to as the “perceived favorites,” with the Yankees being considered as one of the strongest candidates for the three-time Sawamura Award winner.Heyman, among others, pointed out that Yamamoto’s asking price might reach $300 million, which is not wholly out of the question considering his skill, age (25), and the size of his market. The Phillies are one of the eight teams he mentioned as suitors, but they should be considered long shots in this particular sweepstakes given the club’s decision to part with Aaron Nola and their obviously shrewd approach to the rest of the offseason.
Still, considering the Mets’ rivalry with the NL East, it’s worthwhile to keep an eye on the aforementioned sweepstakes. Before the winter meetings, general manager David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen traveled to Japan to meet with Yamamoto. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman even acknowledged he wasn’t sure “if anybody can compete with Steve Cohen.”
The Phillies would be thrilled to find someone who can, and Cohen’s rival across town may be their best chance.