With the league championship series over, the World Series competitors have been decided. But for the first time since 2016, the New York Yankees did not play in October. As has become an unfortunate custom, neither did two-way phenomenon Shohei Ohtani. Can the two powerhouses help each other out next season?

Given the legacy and spending of the Bronx team, it was rather shocking to see their downward 2023 progression. The Yankees management is now working on a better roster buildup, with multiple players in the fray. It would be impossible not to include $500 million approaching Shohei Ohtani. But according to a top MLB insider, another Japanese star may be better suited for the current Yankees system.

Jeff Passan Ranks Shohei Ohtani Second on the New York Yankees’ Priority List

Since the start of the season, a single question has occupied fans and analysts alike: Where will Shohei Ohtani go next? The Los Angeles Angels player will become a free agent the day after the World Series concludes and teams around the league are eyeing him. Many believe the New York Yankees are among the top suitors vying for Shotime, but ESPN’s Jeff Passan thinks otherwise.

Jeff Passan doesn't think the Yankees will be in on Shohei Ohtani but he's not counting them out

Passan adds that they'll be "in big" on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and wonders if they'll get Cody Bellinger to fill the lefty bat and outfielder holes they have

(via @JacobKaye_) pic.twitter.com/E4d4rUNHse

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) October 24, 2023

Discussing what the Yankees’ off-season could look like, Passan examined Shohei Ohtani’s signing possibilities. “I just think the Yankees are in a really awkward position right now in terms of their future commitments,” he said. “The ability to get rid of some of them, and the desire not to take the payroll to the level of the Mets or even some other organizations out there.”

While Ohtani is of course a viable option, the Yankees might look for a left-hander in Cody Bellinger. But there’s another Japanese pitcher who is predicted to steal the show if he makes his MLB debut next year. The ESPN insider added, “So I’m not sure it’s going to be a transition year for them. They’re going to be in big on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who I think is probably going to get the second most money and free agency that’s a winner.”

Although anything can happen, Passan’s claims may hold true thanks to Brian Cashman.

Brian Cashman Flew 6,000 Miles for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

With his abilities and record-breaking ways, Shohei Ohtani is a near-perfect fit for any team. But Brian Cashman, who failed to get the two-way marvel at the first try in 2017, is opting for a different view. Instead of spending on Ohtani, the Yankees GM is looking at options with more return. Once again, the may lie in Japan.

Cashman flew to Nippon to watch Yoshinobu Yamamoto in play and came back full of praise. It might mean that the pitcher who gave up just 22 earned runs and two home runs all season will be prioritized over Ohtani.

Only time will tell which way the Yankees’ decision-making flows.