Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to step into MLB within the next two to three weeks. Amid various big teams competing for this Ace, the Boston Red Sox’s status here seems to be rising. While some see the Red Sox as underdogs, there are reasons to bet that Yamamoto could find his way to Boston. The latest reports reveal “the die is cast.”

The Japanese star has dominated the starting pitcher free-agent market for a while now. So much so that other pitchers are waiting to make a choice of their own, based on his decision. Well, the team, with a payroll of $206 million, has an environment that might have an impact on the Red Sox Nation’s chances of onboarding Yoshi.

Can the Red Sox Navigate the Storm of Intense Competition to Secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

MLB insider Marino Pepén reported that the Boston Red Sox have made the former Orix Buffaloes star an offer of a contract worth slightly over $300 million. Pepén affirms that the agreement includes a number of incentives and clauses for the Red Sox as well as the player himself. Now that the franchise has presented their offer, it’s just a matter of time before the result might be out. With that come many inevitable clues.

Boston anticipates up to $65.4 million coming off the books after 2024. At the moment, they are in need of a standout pitcher, apart from the reliable Brayan Bello and Chris Sale. Acquiring the ace could position him as the star of the rotation. It must not be forgotten that Masataka Yoshida, a fellow Japanese, is also a notable presence who would complement Yoshi in his endeavors. The Red Sox have a saga of success with Japanese pitchers, including the likes of star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. While these pose as signs of propulsion, there’s another cue that’s hard to miss. 

Andrew Bailey, the pitching coach for Boston, recently followed Yamamoto on Instagram. This sparked the flames about the possibility of the union even more. This happened as a ripple effect of the 25-year-old right-hander reportedly meeting with the Red Sox earlier this week. But let’s not forget that he met with several of his other suitors too in the same timeline. 

Will the Red Sox’s Underdog Status Drive Yamamoto Away? 

The Eiji Sawamura Award winner has also been in meetings with the New York Mets (one of his strongest pursuers) and the New York Yankees, another potential forerunner. Apart from NY, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants too were on the list. Also, the Toronto Blue Jays have also reportedly shown interest. But one does not know for sure how far the conversations have gone through the 45-day deciding period. Given the list of these strong contenders, could the 25-year-old see the BoSox as underdogs? 

Watch This Story: Rat Race Continues Among Three Giants With $300 Million To Bring Yoshinobu Yamamoto To Their Troop

Well, John W. Henry, the team’s owner, has a track record of approving significant moves during challenging times. Right now is such a time for the Red Sox. With them on a spree of sustained underperformance, the fan frustration has reached heights. Owing to this, the team would have to cleanse their optics as an underdog. Should that not happen, Yamamoto might slip from their hands. 

Boston’s Plan B  

If Boston does lose out on Yamamoto, there is one player reportedly serving as a backup target for the club. That is, Yokohama DeNA BayStars ace Shōta Imanaga, as per the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The report was, “The (New York Yankees) are considering Japanese lefty Shōta Imanaga if they don’t land Yoshinobu Yamamoto, joining the (New York Mets) with interest. The Red Sox, (Los Angeles Dodgers), and (Chicago Cubs) are among others looking at Imanaga, who’ll wait out the Yamamoto decision.” In this quest too, the BoSox are not alone. 

Even though Imanaga’s name may not be as magnified as Yamamoto’s, he would still be a great addition. Most importantly, he’d help close the massive roster gap in Boston. With eight professional seasons under his belt and a career 2.96 ERA, the 30-year-old has flourished with the BayStars. He would be the Red Sox’ first or second starter right away if he could perform at the expected caliber. Furthermore, because he is five years older than Yamamoto, acquiring him could be much less expensive. Boston’s efforts do stand as genuine. History stands as proof that when the need is, they can go all-out. 

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The last time Boston made a major trade for an international free agent of Yamamoto’s caliber, it was Daisuke Matsuzaka. They signed in 2006. The Red Sox had to pay $103.1 million for Matsuzaka, including the posting fee, for 6 years. Considering that he was instrumental in their 2007 World Series victory, the team was more than happy to write the big fat check. So, whether they do the same to acquire Yamamoto or go with their next best (not so expensive) option, the Red Sox are onto something. Maybe it is 2024, that they move on from being the underdogs.