The Yankees Save Number 18 for Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The New York Yankees have deliberately held the number 18 for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher they have been scouting for the past year.
The Significance of Uniform Numbers
Uniform numbers in baseball can hold special meaning and serve as a symbol of honor and respect.
For Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the number 18 carries particular significance. It has been his number with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan, and it is also considered the "ace" number in Japanese baseball. Several notable players, including Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka, have donned the number 18 in their careers.
The New York Yankees, recognizing the importance of this number to Yamamoto, have intentionally kept it reserved for him over the past year.
The Yankees' Intentional Gesture
Last season, while actively scouting Yamamoto, the Yankees made a deliberate decision not to assign the number 18 to any player on their roster.
This gesture demonstrates the team's interest and commitment to potentially sign Yamamoto. It also shows their understanding of the cultural significance surrounding uniform numbers in Japanese baseball.
By saving the number 18 for Yamamoto, the Yankees hope to make him feel welcomed and valued should he choose to join their organization.
Competition among MLB Teams
Yamamoto has garnered attention from multiple MLB teams, including the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, and Mets.
Interestingly, while other teams have had the number 18 available in the past, the Yankees are the only team that intentionally held it out last season, specifically for Yamamoto.
This strategic move by the Yankees may give them an advantage in the race to sign Yamamoto, as it demonstrates their long-standing interest and commitment to him.
