Dodgers Rumors: The Athletic Predicts Yoshinobu Yamamoto Signs Massive Deal With Yankees
One of the biggest names on the open market this winter is Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He is the top starting pitcher available and has multiple teams vying for his services.
It was reported that L.A. met with Yamamoto on Tuesday like he has been doing with interested finalists. He only has until January 4 to agree with a team due to posting rules.
MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic is predicting that Yamamoto will land with the New York Yankees this winter. He has him getting a 9-year, $304 million contract.
"Yamamoto is the most sought-after free agent remaining on the market. When the offseason began, it was believed he would get a contract in the $200 million to $220 million range, but now several front-office executives believe he will get closer to $300 million. Why such a big swing? It’s rare for a top-of-the-rotation starter to hit free agency at such a young age and it’s thought that the bidding war among teams, including many big-market clubs, will drive up the price."
If the contract bidding goes up to $300 million, as has been discussed before, the Dodgers may not be in the running. Andrew Friedman hasn't usually shelled out long term, high AAV contracts, and he already did that this offseason with Shohei Ohtani.
However, Ohtani's contract does have unprecedented deferrals within, freeing up more money for the Dodgers to spend. L.A. is very interested in Yamamoto, and he would be an absolute game-changer for their rotation.
It's been reported that he grew up a Dodgers fan, so maybe that helps them in the bidding if their offer isn't too far off from the top one. But he would instantly give them a front-of-the-line, ace-level pitcher.
Yamamoto has dynamite stuff on the mound and is widely regarded as the best pitcher to come over from Japan.
