How the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers Are Courting Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Per latest reports, the Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is leading the free agency market now. Yamamoto’s market “has jumped in recent weeks as he could be the rare $200 million pitcher (or higher) by the time he makes his decision this month.” Naturally, that called for a competition between all the major MLB clubhouses. However, only three of them have taken the race to the next level. 

While the rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Mets doesn’t need to be reintroduced to baseball fans, the Los Angeles Dodgers have added their name to the list of top contenders set out to clinch Yamamoto. From preparing their stadium to managing their finances, the Yankees, the Dodgers, and the Mets have been topping the charts.

The Yankees’ strategies to acquire Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The Bronx Bombers have been keenly monitoring the progress in Yamamoto’s free agency market. According to insider Andy Martino, owner Hal Steinbrenner flew to Los Angeles this Monday to have a discussion with the star pitcher in person.

Apparently, Yamamoto’s NPB teammates Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka were supposed to be present at the meeting as well. It is unclear whether they made it to LA or not. It has also been reported that the Yanks have made a preliminary offer to the ace—one that exceeds market expectations.

General manager Brian Cashman previously went to Japan to watch the ace play in real-time. Adding their recent jersey gesture gives the team a remarkable headstart in contention. Speaking of contention, how are their rival, the Mets, faring in the race so far?

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

Steven Cohen, owner of the Mets franchise, doesn’t fall too far behind Steinbrenner’s strategy of making things personal. Per MLB.com reports, he flew to Japan sometime around late November to meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s family. The gesture further solidified the grounds for securing the ace for their dugout. For bonus benefits, they have a special Japanese connection in play as well.

Earlier this year, Yamamoto’s long-time friend and NPB teammate Kodai Senga made a statement to the team that he wants to play together with Yoshi in the Mets dugout. However, the recent moves made by the Dodgers make it quite uncertain to predict which clubhouse he will be willing to side with.

Dodgers’ masterful maneuver of trios to convince Yoshinobu Yamamoto

According to The Athletic report, the Boys in Blue utilized their trio of star players to woo the ace. All the big names of the Dodgers dugout—Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani—attended Tuesday’s meeting at the Dodger Stadium for the Japanese right-hander.

Read More: Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Unprecedented Free Agency Continues, as Dodgers, Mets and Yankees Headline $300 Million Battle

This marks Ohtani’s first involvement in Dodgers gameplay outside the realm of diamonds. Whether the involvement of such star power will change Yamamoto’s mind for the team’s benefit is something that only time will reveal.