Baltimore Orioles Sustain Substantial Blow in Pursuit of Yamamoto
The Baltimore Orioles are likely in on the pursuit of Japanese superstar ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, just like the majority of MLB teams.
The Orioles could use some additional help in their rotation after losing Kyle Gibson in free agency. They will need to find innings somewhere.
Yamamoto could be the answer, but he is highly coveted and teams will have to separate themselves somehow. As far as contenders go, Baltimore is right up there with the best and most promising of them after winning 101 games in 2023.
Geographically, the Orioles are fine as Yamamoto's agent said geography isn't a factor in a recent article in Japanese that was translated to English.
"He has no geographic preferences and wants to play anywhere.''
What will be seen as a blow to Baltimore is the fact that they currently roster exactly zero Japanese players.
"He wants to play with Japanese players... He is different from previous Japanese players," said Yamamoto's agent.
If the Orioles wish to pursue Yamamoto with any real conviction, they may have to go out and sign a Japanese player in free agency or look at adding one that was just posted by the NPB.
Either way, Yamamoto would be a game-changer for whichever team signs him. The Orioles would be wise to make a huge push for the superstar if they hope to maintain dominance in the American League East.
