Not many days are left for Yoshinobu Yamamoto to decide which team he picks. While the suspense builds, there is an element of skepticism about his projected contract. Speculations and reports are that the Japanese ace could land a $300 million deal over approximately a decade. But is this whole deal overrated? 

While there are a number of suitors for Yoshi, the New York Yankees are one of the most competitive. Well, there are the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants, and the New York Mets, but are they all on board with spending this huge chunk? If one looks deep enough, there are certain aspects that incline toward the argument that Yamamoto’s contract will fall short of $300 million or be quite short term.

Analyzing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Upcoming Deal: Impact on Juan Soto’s Next Step and the Yankees’ Big Money Moves

Firstly, the teams in need of pitching staff are the ones chasing Yoshi, especially NYY. However, by broadening one’s view, two other star pitchers come into perspective. The Texas Rangers’ Jordan Montgomery and the San Diego Padres’ Blake Snell. While for Monty, MLB Trade Rumors project a six-year, $150 million and Snell could potentially earn between $20 and $25 million a year over at least half a decade contract.

The second reason that one can’t potentially rule out is: Will Yamamoto’s arm have the same strength as today, years later? The likelihood of injuries and the fact that he has used his arm for 6 years already in Japan questions the idea of spending such a huge chunk for a long term. Having said that, one cannot forget that Yankees’ Juan Soto will be hitting the free agent market yet again next year. 

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The chase for Soto is likely to be no less competitive than Yoshi’s. Though as of today, Soto is a Yankee, there are likes of him moving to another team the following season. Whether he gets an extension in the Bronx or not, Yamamoto’s acquisition will play a part in where Soto lands. Of course, given the financial aspect.

Additionally, if the #18 pitcher were to join the Yanks, he’d be replacing Gerrit Cole or would have to play under his shadow. Let’s also not forget that Cole is a rare pitcher to have received a nine-year contract for $324 million. It’s worth wondering how that would work for the NPB star. 

The Countdown Begins on Yamamoto’s Decision

“The actual bidding process is supposed to intensify this week with the expectation of a deal being finalized before the new year,” mentioned a source. The clock is ticking. And MLB teams have time till 5 p.m. of January 4th to close a deal with Yamamoto. While a $300 million deal seems viable, it is still worth giving it a second thought, considering the flip side. 

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If Yamamoto’s agent has not made a move beyond the preliminary bidding stage, there might be opportunities to negotiate the final deal value. Additionally, team managers might still be uncertain about the exact contract terms they’d need to secure Yamamoto’s agreement. With this ongoing back and forth, only time will tell where the former Orix Buffaloes star lands in the big leagues.