Japanese Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto Attracts Interest from MLB Teams
November 16, 2023
Large-Market Teams Eyeing Japanese Pitcher
Several prominent MLB teams are gearing up to compete for the services of Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with contract offers potentially exceeding 0 million. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox are among the interested parties.
Dodgers and Yankees Lead the Pursuit
According to MLB Network correspondent Jon Paul Morosi, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as one of the frontrunners in the race to sign Yamamoto. This development follows Morosi’s earlier report, stating that the New York Yankees are actively exploring the starting pitching market and have set their sights on both Yamamoto and Aaron Nola.
Yamamoto’s Allure for the Yankees
Sources close to the situation have informed SNY’s Andy Martino that Yamamoto is attracted to the prestige and iconic status associated with the New York Yankees. However, the Yankees face stiff competition from their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, as well as their long-standing adversaries, the Boston Red Sox.
Mets and Red Sox Enter the Fray
Martino reports that the New York Mets have expressed their interest in Yamamoto, with Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga actively encouraging the Mets to pursue his potential teammate. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox have a strong case for signing Yamamoto due to his friendship with outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who was Yamamoto’s teammate with the Orix Buffaloes from 2017 to 2022.
Other Teams in the Mix
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reveals that the list of teams interested in Yamamoto extends to the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Geography as a Potential Advantage
MLB Network correspondent Jon Heyman speculates that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants may have an edge in the pursuit of Yamamoto due to their West Coast locations. While this remains unconfirmed, it is a factor worth considering.
2 Responses
The battle for Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s talents showcases the MLB’s intense competition for top international players. With a staggering $200 million bidding war, expect to witness history unfold as top teams vie for this promising Japanese pitcher.
This bidding war for Yoshinobu Yamamoto proves that top MLB teams are going all out to secure young talent. The $200 million price tag only underlines the immense potential they see in this Japanese pitcher. Exciting times for both Yamamoto and MLB fans!