“Yankees are a joke”; “Stop wasting Aaron Judge’s prime” - Fans erupt as Aaron Boone gives vague update on Tatsuya Imai pursuit

Fans mocked the New York Yankees after manager Aaron Boone shared the latest update on their pursuit of top Japanese free agent pitcher Tatsuya Imai. Unlike most Japanese assets who have signed with the reigning World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers, Imai would like to sign with a team that can beat them. The Yankees are one choice.

On Friday, Boone shared that neither the Yankees has met Imai nor do they have any meeting scheduled with him.

This unseriousness shown by the Yankees is getting called out on the internet.

"Yankees are a joke," one fan commented. "Pathetic organization. Trade Judge…stop wasting his prime," another fan added. "The Kai Igawa Syndrome still in effect?" one fan asked. "Sounds extremely accurate. Buckle up it’s going to be a repeat of last year. Keep the fans hopes up just enough that they squeeze all the money possible out of them," one fan wrote. "I AM SO CLOSE TO JUST BECOMING A METS FAN. ALL THEY GOTTA DO IS SIGN BELLI OR TUCKER AND IM OUT," one fan wrote. "The Sell the Team shirts gonna go so crazy at Yankee stadium this year 🔥" one fan reacted.

Yankees showing uncertainty and Cubs taking lead in Tatsuya Imai's free agency

While the Yankees are unsure about signing or even meeting with Tatsuya Imai, the Chicago Cubs have taken some steps, indicating they are closer than anyone else to sign the 27-year-old Seibu Lions ace before his posting window winds down to Jan. 2, 2026.

A report from Cubbies Crib suggests that the Cubs are leading his free agency because they are expected to be the finalist alonside the Yankees.

The Yankees' and the Cubs' interests are not without reason. Over the last two seasons, Imai posteda 2.13 ERA (1.92 last season), 183 Strikeouts, 1.03 WHIP (0.89 last season), 9.8 Strikeouts per 9 Innings, and seven Home Runs.

Both teams need a quality arm in their starting rotation. So far, what has been heard about the pitcher is all great. Thus, it remains to be seen if either of this club successfully manages to strike a deal with the Japanese ace by Jan. 2.

Edited by Krutik Jain