Why Ohtani is a perfect fit for the Yankees
In this four-part series, theScore's MLB editors look at some of the front-runners for Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, and project how he'd fit within their prospective rosters.
When aren't the New York Yankees considered a major player for a key free agent?
Sure, the Yankees have maintained a slightly different identity as of late - building a top-notch farm system rather than cornering the market on big-ticket items - but if you think they're sitting out the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, you're crazy.
And even if this iteration of the Bronx Bombers won't spend money with reckless abandon, they're still the most logical landing spot for the two-way Japanese phenom.
Money, pedigree, and power
The Yankees very nearly punched a ticket to the World Series in 2017 despite being considered an afterthought for the postseason in April. Aaron Judge demolished baseballs at a record pace for a rookie, while Gary Sanchez didn't stumble into a sophomore slump.
But for eight straight seasons, the Yankees haven't appeared in a World Series, let alone come away with a title. It's not quite the lean period of the 1980s, but winning only one World Series since 2001 is uncharacteristic for this franchise. Plus, after coming ever so close in 2017, anything less than a championship next year would be a disappointment.
With 27 World Series wins, the Yankees have been far and away the class of baseball throughout history; the St. Louis Cardinals are the only other franchise with double-digit titles. Ohtani wouldn't guarantee a return to the promised land, but signing him would send a message that New York is looking to speed up the process.
Ohtani's fit in the rotation:
Ohtani would solidify a rotation that's already pretty impressive. New York has Cy Young finalist Luis Severino along with Masahiro Tanaka and Sonny Gray, which currently leaves the fifth slot up to 24-year-old left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who made 29 starts for the team in 2017. The Yankees could also still re-sign longtime franchise southpaw CC Sabathia just in case.
In parts of five seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, Ohtani collected a 42-15 record across 85 appearances (three in relief), posting a 2.52 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and 624 strikeouts in 543 innings.
His arsenal features four pitches, which include a four-seam fastball that touches 100 mph, and a disgusting slider.
Signing Ohtani would provide added flexibility and insurance in case of injury, and increase the longevity of New York's other pitchers. The best use of his talents would be as a regular part of the starting rotation.
Of course, Ohtani isn't just a top-notch pitcher - he's also a dangerous hitter, so let's examine how the Yankees could slot him into their batting lineup as well.
Ohtani's fit in the lineup:
Only the World Series champion Houston Astros scored more runs than the Yankees in 2017, so adding a bat with Ohtani's impact seems borderline unfair.
Over the last two years, Ohtani hit 30 home runs in 169 games - slightly more than a single MLB season. He also hit over .320 in both campaigns. Just imagine his smooth, left-handed swing at Yankee Stadium.
The one hitch in this plan is just how loaded the Yankees already are in the outfield, where Ohtani would slot in defensively. Judge isn't going anywhere, while Brett Gardner, Aaron Hicks, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Clint Frazier are all kicking around. It could make Frazier expendable, or he could be stashed in Triple-A.
Ohtani would likely become the starting left fielder in New York. Although, with Matt Holliday hitting free agency, one of the potential outfielders would then likely be used primarily as the designated hitter (or they can alternate). It would be an embarrassment of riches - the best problem a team can have.
Getting Ohtani at a relative discount would also help when both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper hit the free-agent market ahead of 2019, as the Yankees once again ascend to their rightful spot as baseball's dominant franchise.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)