• Loading stock data...
Friday, November 22, 2024

The Chase for Japanese Star May End With a Massive Deal. Sound Familiar?

  • At least seven teams are in active pursuit.
  • The star Japanese pitcher is expected to sign a contract worth at least $300 million.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The next Japanese superstar is now on the MLB player market, and in some respects he’s driving an even bigger frenzy among suitors than Shohei Ohtani did.

With the record-setting $700 million deal between Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers now finalized, many teams are turning their attention to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 25-year-old pitcher who has starred in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and who was posted last month for entry to MLB. 

More than four years younger than Ohtani – and, crucially, not carrying the same serious injury history as his countryman – Yamamoto is arguably a better value, and that’s reflected in his pursuit by a larger number of clubs. This past summer, Ohtani tore his ulnar collateral ligament for the second time in five years and had corrective surgery.

While Ohtani’s free agency largely centered on four main candidates, Yamamoto has been linked in various reports to the New York Yankees and Mets, the Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. Yamamoto is expected to receive a contract worth at least $300 million, a deal that even after Ohtani’s blockbuster agreement will still rank no lower than eighth in MLB history. Such a deal would also yield a posting fee of nearly $50 million to Yamamoto’s Japanese club, the Orix Buffaloes.

Pulling Out All of the Stops

Because of that significant projected financial outlay, the Yamamoto chase has drawn the active participation of multiple team owners. Mets owner Steve Cohen hosted a dinner on Saturday at his Connecticut home for Yamamoto and his representatives, according to multiple reports, while Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has held multiple meetings of his own with the pitcher. The Phillies also brought in star outfielder Bryce Harper as part of their pitch to Yamamoto.

The 45-day window to sign Yamamoto, in keeping with MLB-NPB posting rules, expires Jan. 4., but he is expected to make a selection by the end of the month. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rays $1.3B Ballpark Plans Stalled by Bond Delays, Hurricane Fallout

St. Petersburg officials vote to delay bonds for a new ballpark.

Roki Sasaki Pursuit Could Lead to Chaos in 2025 International Class

Big league clubs may redirect bonus pool money to chase the Japanese phenom.
Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred before game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field.

Manfred Urges Patience on Rays Ballpark, Eyes MLB Media Shift

The commissioner also sees a new era emerging in the sport’s local media landscape.
Tampa Bay Rays

Rays Tampa Future in Doubt as County Commission Delays Bond Vote

The planned $1.3 billion ballpark now falls into further question.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

What’s Next for Hapless Jets?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis acknowledges a fan before the start of a game between the Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.

Mark Davis to Unload More of the Raiders

He’s agreed to give 15% to new owners, shortly after the Brady sale.
Michele Kang
November 19, 2024

Michele Kang Drops Whopping $30 Million on U.S. Soccer

It’s the largest gift to the federation focused on girls and women.
Aaron Rodgers
November 19, 2024

Jets Clean House With Only Aaron Rodgers Remaining

Joe Douglas’s firing wasn’t a surprise, but the timing was.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 18, 2024

Roaring to the Top: Lions Become Super Bowl Favorites for First Time

This is the first time in franchise history Detroit is favored to win the Super Bowl.
November 17, 2024

Dallas Wings Secure No. 1 WNBA Pick Projected to be Paige Bueckers

Bueckers has endorsement deals with Nike and Gatorade and an equity stake in Unrivaled.
November 13, 2024

NHL’s Smallest-Market Team Is Breaking Records, Securing Its Future

Both wins and attendance are way up for the often-overlooked NHL franchise.
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center.
November 13, 2024

Trail Blazers Troll Fan With Gambling Addiction Helpline

The official account suggested that a complaining fan on X/Twitter should call 1-800-GAMBLER.