Yoshinobu Yamamoto, one of the most sought-after pitchers in the world, is set to sign a massive contract worth $300 million, according to sources. This would make him one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball history. The posting fee for the Japanese right-hander would be almost $50 million, a significant figure that has not deterred at least five big-market clubs from vying for his signature.
The posting system stipulates that the club signing Yamamoto as a free agent would need to pay his Japanese club, the Orix Buffaloes, a percentage of the contract in addition to the posting fee. A 20 percent fee on the first $25 million of the contract, 17.5 percent on the next $25 million, and 15 percent of the total exceeding $50 million would result in a total of $46.9 million for Yamamoto’s former club.
At 25 years old, Yamamoto is expected to command a deal of at least 10 years with an annual value of $30 million or higher. This has attracted interest from big-market teams such as the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Giants, and Red Sox, all of whom are known for their significant spending power.
The Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, in particular, are typically not known for targeting the same free agents, highlighting the rarity of Yamamoto’s appeal. The Giants and Red Sox are also in the mix, each looking to make a major splash in acquiring the star pitcher.
For the Dodgers, Yamamoto’s arrival could coincide with the deferred payments of Shohei Ohtani’s contract, potentially providing an immediate financial boost for the team. Meanwhile, the Yankees are facing questions about their financial commitments to current and potential future star players, including Aaron Judge. However, this has not deterred the team from expressing a strong interest in signing Yamamoto.
The Mets are seen as a particularly good fit for Yamamoto due to his age, position, and the absence of any draft pick compensation attached to him. Their owner, Steven Cohen, has been encouraged to pursue Yamamoto aggressively, following a successful attempt to integrate another Japanese player, Kodai Senga, into the team last season.
The Giants, known for their recent significant spending on notable players, will likely face strong competition from other deep-pocketed teams for Yamamoto’s signature. Similarly, the Red Sox have a need for starting pitchers, and Yamamoto has emerged as a top target for the team.
Ultimately, Yamamoto’s decision will come down to a combination of financial considerations and personal preference. As the pressure for his signature mounts, the question remains: Where does he most want to be? His choice is set to make a significant impact on the landscape of professional baseball.