In a highly competitive pursuit for Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the New York Yankees are making sure to get as much face time with the coveted free agent as possible. After a recent dinner at Steve Cohen's Connecticut home with a Mets contingent, Yamamoto was set to meet with the Yankees once again on Sunday, according to The Post's Jon Heyman. This second meeting comes just a week after a Yankees group, including Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, Randy Levine, Aaron Boone, and Matt Blake, traveled to Los Angeles to visit Yamamoto.

However, the Yankees are not the only team vying for the 25-year-old ace's services. The Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, Phillies, and Blue Jays are all in the running as well. With such a crowded competition among big-market teams, it is expected that Yamamoto's final contract could reach upwards of $300 million. The bidding process is set to intensify this week, with Yamamoto aiming to finalize a deal before the new year, as reported earlier on Sunday by The Post's Joel Sherman.

The Yankees, who recently acquired star outfielder Juan Soto in a trade, have shifted their focus entirely to Yamamoto in hopes of bolstering their rotation. Despite the potential luxury tax implications, signing Yamamoto would solidify their pitching staff with a player of his caliber and youth. The Yankees have extensively scouted Yamamoto, even sending Cashman to Japan in September to witness him throw a no-hitter.

Meanwhile, the Mets have been actively pursuing Yamamoto, with Saturday night's dinner at Cohen's home serving as a significant step forward in their negotiations. As the bargaining process enters its final innings, the Mets have emerged as strong contenders. While their priority lies more in long-term stability beyond the 2024 season, Yamamoto's age and exceptional talent make him an attractive addition for both the present and future. If the Mets fail to secure Yamamoto's services, they do not plan to pivot to the next-best starters in the free-agent market, such as Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. Instead, they intend to address their pitching needs with shorter and less costly deals.

The clock is ticking for Yamamoto's potential suitors, as the window to sign him closes on January 4th at 5 p.m. The upcoming week is poised to be crucial, with teams ramping up their efforts to secure the highly sought-after Japanese star. The Mets and Yankees, in particular, are locked in a battle to convince Yamamoto that their organization is the best fit for his future endeavors on the mound.