Can the Los Angeles Dodgers Still Afford Yoshinobu Yamamoto After a $700 Million Investment in Shohei Ohtani?

Even though Freddie Mercury sang “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the song has turned into the theme trait of the LA Dodgers. The sole reason being, their recent signee Shohei Ohtani, who smashed a record-breaking contract worth $700 million for 10 years. Now, they are looking to go all-in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto as well. With his contract estimates getting above $300 million, is there room in the Blue Crew payroll to fit the Samurai Japan ace?

The MLB world hasn’t seen a team awarding over half a billion dollars worth of contract in a single offseason before. Could the Dodgers end up making another record after the Ohtani deal? A top insider recently answered this question.

LA Dodgers can still afford Yoshinobu Yamamoto 

The Dodgers have been careful with their finance management. Despite consistently holding a mid-tier position in payroll rankings, the Dodgers have never reached a point where the amount becomes uncomfortable for them. Perhaps that is why Jon Heyman tweeted out the following – “Yes, the Dodgers are still interested in and can still afford Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Uncertain though, how the Ohtani signing may affect their chances, pro or con. The three perceived favorites: 1. Mets 2. Yankees 3. Dodgers”

The estimated payroll of the Dodgers in 2024, according to the FanGraphs, is $227 Million. The tax thresholds are $237, $257, $277, $297 million. Theoretically, if the Dodgers get Yamamoto for $300 million for at least 13 years (which can change as well), the AAV would be $23 million. There have been reports that Yamamoto would look to include opt-outs in the contract as well. 

These numbers mean that even if the contract were for 10 years, they would still be at the heels of that $257 million threshold. In theory, at least, the Dodgers can afford him, especially when one notices the massive deferrals that Ohtani has placed in his $700 million contract.

Read more: “Yamamoto Airlines”: New York Mets Fanbase Makes Desperate Plea to Secure Star Japanese Ace

Heyman placed the Dodgers right in the center of the Yamamoto sweepstakes, right below the two New York teams. 

How the Dodgers compare to the Yankees and Mets

Interestingly, even after Ohtani’s deal, the Dodgers’ payroll is a little below the New York Yankees and the Mets. So, the Dodgers can have more flexibility and wiggle room in the negotiations. The Mets harbor a strong desire to sign him and possess deeper pockets than any other team. They can take the bid to an uncomfortably high level.

Whereas, in the case of the Yankees, many reports have continuously said the iconography and history of the Bombers intrigues Yamamoto. This intrigue can turn into interest if things fall the Bombers’ way.

As it stands, the Dodgers are going all in for glory.

Watch This Story: Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit