Japanese Ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto May Wait on Free Agent Decision, Per New Report

Despite his negotiating window winding down, a new report suggests that Yoshinobu Yamamoto may not pick which MLB team he's signing with until after Christmas.

One of the most sought-after free agents on the open market may not be particularly close to making his decision.

According to Bob Klapisch of The Newark Star-Ledger, there is a growing sense among the teams pursuing Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto that the right-hander will not pick his landing spot before Christmas Day. Negotiations could ultimately stretch into the New Year, per Klapisch.

Yamamoto was posted to MLB free agency by the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball earlier this offseason. His negotiating window opened at 8 a.m. on Nov. 21, and it will stay open until 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 4.

Should Yamamoto and his representatives fail to lock down a deal before that point, he would have to return to Japan for another year. But given the amount of money on the table – Yamamoto's contract could exceed 10 years and $300 million – there does not appear to be a realistic chance the situation reaches that conclusion.

Growing sense among teams bidding on Yoshinobu Yamamato is that a decision won't be made until after Christmas. Could stretch into the January 1-4 window.

— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) December 19, 2023

Yamamoto has taken multiple meetings with the New York Yankees, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies have also reportedly met with the 25-year-old hurler, while the Toronto Blue Jays remain an outside contender.

Yamamoto is the three-time reigning Pacific League MVP and Eiji Sawamura Award winner, which is given to the top pitcher in all of NPB. He has also won three Gold Gloves, four ERA titles, four strikeout titles and a Japanese Series.

The five-time All-Star has thrown two no-hitters in his professional career.

Yamamoto went 17-6 with a 1.16 ERA, 0.860 WHIP and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings with the Orix Buffaloes in 2023. Since making his NPB debut in 2017, he is 75-30 with a 1.72 ERA, 0.915 WHIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

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