The MLB offseason is here and once again, there are numerous rumors surrounding the New York Yankees. The Yankees have yet to hire a new manager, but much the buzz right now centers on the health of Aaron Judge and the potential signing of Japanese star Shohei Otani. Here are all the latest Yankees rumors you need to know.
Latest on Shohei Otani
Otani is coming over from Japan this offseason and there's a real chance he ends up with the Yankees. The MLBPA signed off a new posting system, allowing Otani to join the MLB. Otani is a rare player, in both talent and cost. He's a stud pitcher, who also happens to be one heck of an every-day player.
Dubbed the Japanese Babe Ruth, the 23-year old Otani posted a 42-15 record with a 2.52 ERA and a 1.076 WHIP in Japan in five years. His fastball reportedly reaches 103 MPH. In his last two years at the plate, Otani hit .326 with 30 homers over the last two years (613 plate appearances).
That level of ability would normally cost 10s, if not 100s of million dollars on the open market. But because he's under 25, teams can only offer him a rookie deal and whatever money is left in their bonus pool. It just so happens the Yankees (and the Rangers) have the most money, around $3.5 million. And that's a big reason why the New York Daily News called Otani joining the Yankees "an inevitable conclusion." Otani might not sign until closer to Christmas, but the Yankees are the obvious favorite.
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Aaron Judge Surgery
In a bit of a surprise announcement, the Yankees revealed that Aaron Judge underwent shoulder surgery.
Update on OF Aaron Judge: pic.twitter.com/Sr0ockH1Pg
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) November 21, 2017
Judge is coming off an incredible rookie season. He belted 52 homers and won Rookie of the Year. He'll be ready for the start of spring training.
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