Despite his dominance over the past two seasons, Gray, a 34-year-old pitcher for the Yankees, needs to get younger on the team. With the Minnesota Twins in 2023, Gray threw 184 innings and recorded a 2.79 ERA and 2.83 FIP. He also had a 76.8% left-on-base percentage, a 47.3% ground ball rate, and 8.95 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Despite being nearing the end of his career, he displayed incredible stuff and allowed the fewest home runs per nine innings of any player in his career.
Naturally, the Yankees are exploring younger options, even if that means rejoining 30-year-old lefty Jordan Montgomery, who is seeking a long-term contract. Montgomery, who was just with the Texas Rangers in the World Series, has a 3.20 ERA over a career-high 188.2 innings pitched.
In a perfect world, the Bombers sign Yamamoto and his upside; he could develop into an ace as Gerrit Cole ages after winning the Cy Young award last season.