Diving Deep Into Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $50 Million Clause and How It Sparks a New Era in NPB

The highest-paid rookie ever is in LA. And with that, the Los Angeles Dodgers became the highlight of this off-season. While the Shohei Ohtani deal was one of a kind, Yoshinobu Yamamoto ’s $ 325-million-12-year deal is again a record breaker. There are multiple intricacies of this contract. And one such aspect where his former team plays a role is key to look at. 

Yamamoto has stood out as a highly desired free agent this entire offseason. Thanks to his youthful vigor and potential to lead a pitching staff. Joining the Dodgers, he strengthens their starting lineup alongside Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, and Walker Buehler. But considering the financial implications, was it really a good idea to have him on board?

Understanding the Concept of Posting Fee in Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Recent Deal

@JoePompliano, the host of the Joe Pomp Show tweeted recently explaining the “$50 million posting fee” aspect of his deal. His tweet read, “Another interesting part is that Yamamoto’s deal includes a $50 million posting fee — so his $325 million deal really cost the Dodgers $375 million”. Further, he went on to explain what a posting fee is. 

To understand the concept of posting fee, it is key to note that these rules instituted in 2018-19 offseason, come under the Japanese Posting System. A posting fee is an amount that an NPB club receives when a Major League club agrees to post a player. This amount depends on the value of the contract a posted player signs with a MLB club. But there is an “even crazier” tidbit. 

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It is no secret that any signing team would have to pay the Orix Buffaloes 20% of the first $25 million of Yamamoto’s contract. And followed by an additional 17.5% of the next $25 million would be finally a 15% for any potential remaining total. Astoundingly, the $50 million fee which the NPB team is receiving is significantly more than their entire annual payroll.

The Impact of NPB Players on MLB and Vice Versa

Despite all that, Yoshi is not the one with the highest posting fee. The Texas Rangers made a record with the highest posting fee, offering $51.7 million for Yu Darvish in 2011 under the old regime. Following this closely, were the Tampa Bay Rays who paid a whopping $51.111 million  in 2006 for Daisuke Matsuzaka. The 25-year-old ace’s fee ranks third at $50.6 million. Meanwhile, other players hailing from Japan like, Shohei Ohtani, Kenta Maida, and Masahiro Tanaka joined the MLB with a $20 million posting fee. This financial aspect opens up gates of many opportunities for the Nippon Professional Baseball. 

Read More : What Is MLB’s Posting Fee? How Does It Impact Free Agency?

With Japan creating great baseball players, as in recent times. While the MLB teams do not hesitate to pay a hefty sum as the Dodgers are proof, Japan is resolute on producing many more Ohtanis and Yamamotos. Additionally, with the help of posting fees, it is expected that a new era in NPB is bound to come.