Yankees make their best pitch, but how long will Yoshinobu Yamamoto watch last?

NEW YORK – During a Yankees’ organizational meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pinstriped No. 18 jersey was presented to the star free agent pitcher.

“I gave him that jersey,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “It’s his if he wants to keep it.’’

Naturally, Boone would rather hand Yamamoto a baseball every fifth or sixth day, starting this spring, though the ace Japanese right-hander has yet to make his decision.

“It's been fun to get to meet him a couple times and be around him, have conversations and interact,’’ Boone said Thursday.

“I know all the teams are now putting their best foot forward, negotiating…so we'll see where it lands.’’

Competition "lights up'' Yamamoto

Pausing from his participation in a holiday food bank and toy distribution at the NYPD’s 44th Precinct near Yankee Stadium, Boone provided more insight into the Yankees’ pursuit of Yamamoto.

At their initial meeting in Los Angeles, the Yankees’ presentation included a video message from Hideki Matsui, along with an autographed jersey, and some insight into Yankees history.

According to Boone, the 25-year-old Yamamoto asked about “some different rivalries and what the Stadium’s like in a playoff environment or big regular season games against the Red Sox.

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Boone could see “those competitions things kind of light him up a little bit,’’ offering a glimpse into Yamamoto’s love for the spotlight.

Another person familiar with the Yankees’ two meetings – including one recently in Manhattan – confirmed a report this week that Yamamoto’s decision is likely to arrive after Christmas, with a Jan. 4 deadline – the close of his negotiating window after being posted by the Orix Buffaloes.

Comparisons to Gerrit Cole

As positive a vibe as the Yankees might have about signing Yamamoto, there remains an aggressive market for him - notably the Shohei Ohtani-led Los Angeles Dodgers and the crosstown Mets, owned by multi-billionaire Steve Cohen.

If the market for Yamamoto has reached the beyond-$300 million stage, the Yankees’ ceiling is likely below the Gerrit Cole deal.

And that contract must be viewed now as a 10-year, $360 million deal given the Yankees’ need to extend Cole another season at $36 million to cancel his opt-out clause after 2024.

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Should the Mets offer the most money, would the impression the Yankees made on Yamamoto – or whatever his personal feelings were entering this negotiation – be enough to sway him to the Bronx?

“The biggest thing is trying to allow him to ask any questions he may have…give him an idea of our history,’’ Boone said of the organization’s pitch.

“You’re trying just to be authentic and get to know each other and get the dialogue such that you’re comfortable,’’ along with explaining “how you plan on making’’ his transition from Japan “seamless.’’

On that front, the Yankees can point to past popular Japanese stars in Matsui, Masahiro Tanaka, Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki, and their Bronx experience.

“Hopefully, that matters,’’ said Boone. “But we’ll see.’’

Having scouted him extensively, the Yankees are sold on the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Yamamoto’s ability as a big-league ace.

Yamamoto's dedication to his craft

One of the newest Yankees, lefty-hitting Alex Verdugo faced Yamamoto during the World Baseball Classic and came away impressed.

“(He’s) fast to the plate. (It’s) hard to get your timing as a hitter against him,’’ said Verdugo, who adjusted after a weak out and doubled off Yamamoto.

Feeling “rushed’’ in the batter’s box the first time, “I made sure I started earlier than I thought,’’ said Verdugo. “He has good command, a good arm. (He could) definitely help out a lot of teams, especially winning teams.’’

Boone agrees.

“I think he wants to be great. I think that’s important to him,’’ said Boone, who sees a reflection of Gerrit Cole in Yamamoto.

“Very invested in his craft,’’ said Boone, likening the two pitchers’ dedication, discipline and “all-in’’ approach to pitching “and how to be successful.

“Different personalities, different people, but that obsession with their craft came across.’’

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: As Yankees wait on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, when will decision come in?