NASHVILLE -- On its surface, Brian Cashman’s response was surprising, the Yankees’ general manager stating what he’d learned from an international scouting trip that included a front-row seat to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s no-hitter for the Orix Buffaloes last September.

“Nothing, to be quite honest,” Cashman said on Tuesday at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, as the second day of baseball’s Winter Meetings spilled into evening.

Um, nothing?

Then Cashman explained: Like several teams, the Yankees have closely monitored Yamamoto for so long that there are no remaining secrets about the standout right-hander. They know what to expect and are convinced he will be a top-flight ace anywhere he goes.

“It was just a really enjoyable experience,” Cashman said. “The fact that it was a no-hitter was really spectacular. It’s special, whether you see that in high school, college or the pro ranks. It made my trip worthwhile flying all that way to watch the artistry play out, which was, again, really moving.”

Now, their mission is to bring Yamamoto to the Bronx.

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“It's hard to find a 25-year-old pitcher that's as decorated as he is and has had the level of success he's had at this point in his career over there and on the world stage in the [World Baseball Classic],” manager Aaron Boone said.

“Our reports are that this guy is really good, as I think the industry sees it the same way. It feels like there's going to be a lot of suitors for him. But I feel quite confident that he is going to come over here and be a really special top-of-the-rotation-type pitcher.”

Amid speculation that Yamamoto could land a contract exceeding $200 million, plus a posting fee to be paid to his former club, Cashman has been communicating regularly with Yamamoto’s agent, Joel Wolfe.

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Cashman declined to say if an in-person meeting has been scheduled with the hurler, though that seems to be a lock. The organization also plans to tap Hideki Matsui for help with recruitment, calling upon the same playbook they used to woo Masahiro Tanaka in 2014.

“We’re going to put our best foot forward in our attempts to recruit free agents, and whatever we feel is helpful,” Cashman said. “Ultimately, we’ll play every card necessary that we think is going to help us and see where it takes us.”

As the Yankees prepare to write a big check to Yamamoto, they are also hopeful of pulling off a blockbuster trade for the Padres’ Juan Soto, a double-whammy that would flush the lingering disappointment of their weakest season in three decades.

“He's as good of an offensive player as there is,” Boone said of Soto. “He is a machine offensively.”

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With Soto set to reach free agency after 2024, San Diego has requested a massive package headlined by right-hander Michael King and touted righty Drew Thorpe. Though Cashman lauded King’s contributions, he also noted, “After the year we've had, there'd be very few untouchables.”

If King or Clarke Schmidt are among the pieces sent to the Padres in a potential Soto trade, it would increase the importance of adding a hurler like Yamamoto to complement Gerrit Cole at the front of the rotation. Bounce-back years from Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes are also high on the wish list.

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“I’m comfortable with what we have, worst-case scenario,” Cashman said. “But when there’s an opportunity to add more towards the front end of it, potentially, you’ve got to try to play on that if you can.”

On the market 
The Yankees have had contact with the representatives for infielder/outfielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and left-hander Wandy Peralta, both of whom are now free agents.

Kiner-Falefa is drawing interest from multiple teams after batting .242/.306/.340 (78 OPS+) this past season, appearing at seven positions, including pitcher. Cashman said the Yanks hope to retain Peralta, who logged a 2.83 ERA in 63 appearances this year. 

Hot corner 
Cashman said he does not consider third base an area of need, which could squelch speculation that has connected the Yanks to free agents Jeimer Candelario and Matt Chapman. DJ LeMahieu is the most likely starter at third base, with Cashman saying the club feels “covered” at all infield spots.