Chicago Cubs May Pursue Next Japanese Ace in Free Agency
The Chicago Cubs may be in the market for another starting pitcher this winter. With Marcus Stroman's contract situation in question and the underperformance of Jameson Taillon, the Cubs may elect to go a different route.
One name they may decide to pursue is Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Orix Buffaloes out of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. Yamamoto is expected to be posted to MLB this winter where teams will be available to bid on his services.
Remarkably, Yamamoto just threw his second career no-hitter on Saturday, only adding to his reputation as the next great Japanese ace that will make his way to the American market.
Add in the fact he pitched like an ace in the World Baseball Classic and nearly every starting pitching-needy team will have their eye on him.
Chicago was one of the teams to scout Yamamoto last month. As mentioned above, couple the interest with the need for another pitcher, especially as their window of contention has been blown wide open and the pairing makes sense.
However, the Cubs will face stiff competition for Yamamoto's services. He could become the next Yu Darvish, Shohei Ohtani (pitcher) or Kodai Senga. He will also demand a price similar to Darvish or Senga's price tag.
Still, when taking into account his raw talent and propensity for success in the world's second-best baseball league, he should still come cheaper than the current crop of expected starting pitcher free agents.
That crop is headlined by Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola who is currently struggling this season. Yamamoto may be the best return on investment for any acquiring team.
Regardless, Chicago should be at the front of the line the moment Yamamoto is posted.
