The New York Yankees are the latest MLB team to add a jersey patch to their noted pinstripes courtesy of Starr Insurance, though it won't help them afford Shohei Ohtani.
There's something about advertisements on jerseys that bothers the old heads like myself (okay, I'm only 30), especially when it pertains to THE New York Yankees. This is a team that still won't allow its players to grow substantial facial hair.
Yet, considering the wasteful asset management of this Yankees front office — namely poor investments in Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson — an insurance advertisement actually fits the vibe. We'll allow it!
This ad revenue should kick in next year, when the team will receive $25 million per season from Starr Insurance, which will be prominently featured on the team's classic pinstripe look through at least 2030.
It's important to note that even with this extra financial flexibility, New York still must abide by luxury tax standards, and the Steinbrenners don't want to be in the red.
What can Yankees afford with their new ad revenue? Not Shohei Ohtani
$25 million per season is a lot of money, even if that revenue doesn't kick in until 2024. Sorry, Yankees fans, Cashman can't use his extra cash to buy out Josh Donaldson just yet.
However, with a little extra wiggle room against the books, could New York use its newfound financial flex to court a top-tier free agent? Even if so, don't expect Shohei Ohtani to visit The Bronx voluntarily.
Ohtani is likely to receive an offer from the Mets, sure, but there has been little legitimate noise connecting him to the Yankees. Plus, Ohtani is set to demand a contract north of $500 million, if not $600 million. And, trust us, someone will hand him that deal and consider it a bargain, even if said organization is strapped for cash over the next decade-plus as a result. Ohtani puts butts in seats, and sells jerseys more than any other player in baseball. In the right market — and ideally on a winning team — he will thrive.
That team is unlikely to be the Yanks.
