MLB Rumors: Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Elbow Concerns Drive Opt-Out Clauses in $325M Dodgers Contract

After Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed the massive $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, all eyes were on how this contract was structured. While one knew basic facts about their being opt-outs, there was no clarity about the meatier details. With more information coming out, has given another color to this contract.

While Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed the biggest contract ever for a pitcher, the Dodgers have also ensured that their interests are met. With the opt-outs based on injuries and a safe salary structure, the contract has many interesting clauses in it.

The historic contract of Yoshinobu Yamamoto

AP News has revealed the details of the Yoshinobu Yamamoto contract. The striking feature is how balanced the deal looks. In the first instance, what stands out is how the opt-outs are structured. In normal circumstances, Yamamoto can trigger the clause in 2029 and 2031. But if he misses 134 consecutive days due to a right elbow injury or Tommy John surgery between 2024-29, those opt-outs will shift to 2031 and 2033. But there’s more.

Other than the opt-out clauses, the layout of the contract is interesting as well, because it doesn’t have a no-trade clause. But if traded, then Yamamoto can opt out at the end of that season. At the same time, the young ace will earn $5 million plus a $50 million signing bonus in 2024. The Dodgers have structured his salary to ensure it remains back-ended.

Yamamoto will earn $10 million in 2025, $12 million in 2026,  $26 million/yr in 2026-29, $29 million/yr in 2030-31, and $28 million/yr between 2032-2035. This structure makes the deal less risky for the Dodgers, as a front-ended contract would’ve led to additional pressure of making sure Yamamoto lives up to his hype. 

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But with injuries playing a major role in this deal, it’s important to take note of the injury history of Yamamoto.

The positive signs in the ace’s playing history

The interesting thing about Yamamoto is that he hasn’t had a major injury so far, at least none that have been made public. Apart from his rookie years, some of the longer gaps in his career were due to minor discomforts.

In 2019, The Orix Buffaloes deactivated Yamamoto for a month due to left oblique muscle discomfort.  Then in 2022, he took a 10-day rest after giving up a career-worst seven runs in 5 ⅓  innings. Finally, in 2023 he was deactivated again for 10 days due to developing a high fever. Injury-free so far, the Dodgers hope Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s MLB journey continues the same way!

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