LOS ANGELES (AP) – Prized free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to join the Los Angeles Dodgers in a groundbreaking deal. According to multiple reports, Yamamoto and the Dodgers have agreed to a staggering $325 million, 12-year contract. This news comes just days after the Dodgers signed the Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year deal.
The Dodgers have yet to confirm the agreement with Yamamoto, but MLB.com and ESPN have cited anonymous sources reporting the deal. It is worth mentioning that the New York Yankees and New York Mets were also vying for Yamamoto’s services.
This move marks the third major pitching acquisition for the NL West champions this offseason. Alongside Ohtani, the team secured right-hander Tyler Glasnow with a $136.5 million, five-year contract after acquiring him from the Tampa Bay Rays.
During Ohtani’s introduction news conference, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman emphasized that it was crucial for Ohtani that this was not a singular move for the team. Therefore, the addition of Yamamoto further solidifies the team’s commitment to assembling a formidable pitching roster.
Yamamoto had an outstanding season, boasting a 16-6 record with an impressive 1.21 ERA. He recorded an impressive 169 strikeouts while only allowing 28 walks in 164 innings. In his seven seasons with the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto has accumulated an impressive record of 70-29 with a remarkable 1.82 ERA. Notably, he etched his name in history by striking out a Japan Series-record 14 batters during a Game 6 victory over Hanshin on November 5th, completing a dominant 138-pitch performance. Unfortunately, Orix ultimately fell short in Game 7.
The Orix Buffaloes posted the 25-year-old right-hander on November 20th, giving Major League Baseball teams until January 4th to secure his signature. If the deal with the Dodgers materializes, it will stand as the largest and longest contract ever guaranteed to a big league pitcher.
Ohtani Signs with the Dodgers, Yamamoto Impresses MLB Executives
Shohei Ohtani, a former two-time AL MVP with the Los Angeles Angels, has made a bold move this offseason by becoming a free agent and joining the Dodgers. This high-profile acquisition has generated significant excitement among baseball fans and experts.
Meanwhile, another Japanese player, Yamamoto, has been making waves in the Japanese big leagues. The talented pitcher recently achieved an extraordinary milestone by throwing his second career no-hitter, marking the 100th in Japanese big league history. This remarkable achievement garnered attention from MLB executives in attendance. Yamamoto’s exceptional performance also extended his impressive scoreless streak to an astounding 42 innings.
Yamamoto’s recent performance captivated audiences and earned recognition. While following the footsteps of Roki Sasaki, another notable young pitcher who gained attention for his impressive fastball, Yamamoto demonstrated his skills in a game where he gave up two runs and three hits in 3 1/3 innings. He managed to strike out four batters and faced two walks during this game. It is worth noting that Alex Verdugo’s RBI double was one of the significant moments during Yamamoto’s performance. Eventually, Yamamoto was charged with a second run when Isaac Paredes hit an RBI single off Atsuki Yuasa.
The MLB-NPB agreement outlines the terms for the posting fee associated with players transitioning from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league to Major League Baseball (MLB). Under this agreement, the posting fee amounts to 20% of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options. Subsequently, the percentage drops to 17.5% for the following $25 million and further decreases to 15% for any amount exceeding $50 million. Furthermore, a supplemental fee of 15% is applicable to earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options.
Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers and Yamamoto’s impressive performance have undoubtedly generated excitement and intrigue within the baseball community. Fans eagerly anticipate their future success and look forward to witnessing their skills in action on the big stage.