The New York Yankees’ quiet January took another blow on Monday when they were informed, along with several other teams, that they were no longer in contention to sign Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki. Despite this, New York’s starting rotation remains strong, featuring two aces—Max Fried and Gerrit Cole—alongside Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. However, to keep pace with powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, the Yankees need to stockpile as much talent as possible, and Sasaki would have significantly elevated their potential without straining their budget.
Now, GM Brian Cashman will turn his attention to other priorities as he works to enhance a roster that will look markedly different from last year’s Opening Day lineup. Here’s the latest from the Yankees’ world.
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Yankees News: Roki Sasaki Miss Highlights Decline as a Destination for Japanese Stars
There was a time when the New York Yankees were the top destination for Japanese players making the leap to Major League Baseball. From Hideki Irabu and Hideki Matsui to Kei Igawa, Hiroki Kuroda, and Masahiro Tanaka, the Bronx Bombers had a strong track record of attracting talent from Japan. However, since Tanaka joined the team in 2014, the Yankees have struggled to sign any notable Japanese players, a trend underscored by their recent failure to make Roki Sasaki’s final shortlist.
The turning point might be traced back to the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes. Once viewed as heavy favorites to sign the two-way superstar in 2017, the Yankees were bypassed in favor of the Los Angeles Angels. When Ohtani hit free agency again last offseason, New York didn’t even get a meeting. A similar story unfolded with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another coveted Japanese star, whom the Yankees pursued but ultimately missed out on.
The reasons behind this decline aren’t entirely clear, but the shift is undeniable. In today’s globalized world, the prestige of wearing pinstripes no longer carries the same weight. Players can secure lucrative endorsements anywhere, and Japanese media will follow their careers regardless of where they play. Additionally, stars like Sasaki seem to favor teams closer to home for convenience.
The Yankees, once a beacon for international talent, now face the challenge of regaining their appeal on the global stage.
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