After coming up short to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, the New York Yankees and National League West champions could soon get into a second bidding war for a star pitcher in free agency.

When Shohei Ohtani ended his free-agent journey and signed a record-shattering contract with the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto became the belle of the free-agency ball. The Japanese ace is just 25 years old and is a three-time Nippon Professional Baseball MVP. Unsurprisingly, many of the richest teams in baseball came calling on the young star.

After speaking with various organizations, reports claimed that the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and New York Mets were the top suitors for the gifted pitcher. However, in the end, a pitch from countrymen Shohei Ohtani and other stars was enough to persuade Yamamoto to take his talents to LA.

Failing in the Yamamoto chase was a big letdown for the Yankees and their fanbase. Since then they have shifted gears to other pitchers and free agents in this year’s market. And it seems that they could again engage in a bidding war with the Dodgers for one of the best arms still available.

New York Yankees a favorite to sign All-Star closer Josh Hader

According to CBS Sports MLB insider Jim Bowden, the Yankees, Dodgers, and defending champions Rangers are viewed as the favorites to sign superstar closer Josh Hader. Yet, Bowden did mention two important factors in the Hader sweepstakes.

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The five-time All-Star is looking for a deal that surpasses the five years and $102 million the Mets gave Edwin Diaz last year. Neither of those teams have come close to that offer yet. Also, he claims that all three franchises are currently prioritizing signing or trading for another starting pitcher. So a Hader contract may not be imminent with any of those teams.