Yankees Monitor Shoki Oda as Chisholm Dismisses Sox Comments

The New York Yankees are keeping a close watch on Shoki Oda, an 18-year-old pitching prospect from Japan. Oda is at a crossroads, deciding whether to enter the Nippon Professional Baseball draft on October 22 or pursue international free agency. If he opts for the latter, he wouldn't be eligible to sign with MLB teams until January 15, 2027, which would place him in the 2027 signing class. The Yankees, who have been largely absent from the Japanese market since signing Masahiro Tanaka in 2014, are among several teams interested in Oda, especially after previous international scouting agreements fell through.

Jazz Chisholm recently addressed comments made by the Boston Red Sox radio booth regarding his stolen bases. Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that he encouraged Chisholm to steal bases during a game, and noted that the Sox were not holding him at first base. Boone mentioned that Sox broadcaster Joe Flemming reached out to apologize, but Chisholm stated he was unaware of the comments until informed and dismissed the need for an apology, indicating he would quickly forget the incident.

In other Yankees news, Heliot Ramos has shown improvement after a rocky start, hitting a three-run homer recently that helped solidify his role in the lineup. Ramos, acquired as a right-handed bat, is expected to enhance the Yankees' offensive depth, particularly when Aaron Judge returns from injury. His recent performance could be crucial for the team's postseason aspirations.

Additionally, the Yankees have claimed relief pitcher John Schreiber off waivers from the Kansas City Royals. Schreiber has posted a 3.65 ERA over 55 games this season, but he has struggled against left-handed hitters. The Yankees hope to utilize him against right-handed batters, providing much-needed support in the bullpen as they prepare for the playoffs.