The Los Angeles Dodgers are pulling out all the stops in their pursuit of coveted Japanese free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In a star-studded presentation at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, the team enlisted the help of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman to make their pitch to the sought-after right-hander.
As Yamamoto arrived at the ballpark, video displays showcasing his name and likeness in a Dodgers uniform flashed on the scoreboard, setting the stage for the team’s pitch. With multiple teams vying for Yamamoto’s services, the Dodgers are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to win him over.
The presence of Betts, who Yamamoto is reportedly fond of as a player, and Freeman, a fellow MVP candidate, added star power to the Dodgers’ pitch. Even Ohtani, Yamamoto’s teammate with Samurai Japan, was on hand for the meeting, just weeks after finalizing his own historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Yamamoto comes as they continue to make waves in the offseason, reportedly working on a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire right-hander Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot. With nearly $718 million in guaranteed salaries already handed out this winter, the team remains firmly in the mix for the coveted Japanese pitcher.
Yamamoto, who is believed to have an open mind about playing alongside another Japanese player, could be the rare $200 million pitcher or higher by the time he makes his decision this month. The Dodgers, with their significant financial resources and star-studded lineup, are well-positioned to make a compelling offer to the 25-year-old right-hander.
As the Dodgers continue to make moves both in free agency and on the trade front, one thing is clear: they are not content with their current enviable trio of stars. With their sights set on Yamamoto and other potential acquisitions, the Dodgers are poised to remain at the top of the market as they strive for championship success in the upcoming season.