Yankees and Dodgers Top Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sweepstakes, as Japanese Ace?s $300 Million Decision Nears

The New York Yankees began as Yoshinobu Yamamoto favorites but the tables are turning. As his free agency progresses, the Samurai Japan ace comes high in demand. Although the New York Mets too remain in the race, the LA Dodgers are turning out to be favorites. Where do the odds stand?

The world is looking anxiously at Yamamoto?s eye-popping $300 million deal, which has risen to huge numbers despite never having played in MLB before. After signing another Japanese superstar, a top insider has shared why he feels the Dodgers have an edge over the rest.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes have dual favorites?

Even with franchises like the Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays after Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it’s the Yankees and Dodgers who lead the pack. Top reporter Jon Heyman called them the ?Co-favorites? revealing how Shohei Ohtani was part of the meeting between the Dodgers and Yamamoto. He can play a big role as the 25-year-old could want to play in a superteam with Ohtani.

?The interesting question is that if he does want the big stage, does he want to share it with Ohtani? Obviously, the Dodgers are a fantastic team. Ohtani makes them better. Maybe he wants to go and be a part of a super team or maybe he?d like a little bit of spotlight on himself. And hard to believe he can get more of the spotlight in New York,? Heyman said on MLB Network.

Does Yamamoto want to be a one-man show or does he want to be a part of a team full of stars? In LA, Yamamoto will get to play with possibly the greatest player of all time in Ohtani but on the other hand, he might not get the attention he might get somewhere else.

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But that doesn?t mean that other teams have been eliminated from this race. Others, especially, the Mets remain firmly in the race.

The Mets could turn out to be the dark horses in this race

Initially, the Mets weren?t favored but things changed after Steve Cohen visited Japan. They?ve suddenly become the top 3 suitors for Yamamoto. After all, their seemingly unending purse can take the bid to a level rarely seen and they are likely nearer than most give them credit for.

The Mets have been unusually quiet till now. Although they see 2024 as a transitional year, there is no denying that the club will splash for Yamamoto if needed. As a result, one cannot discount them from the race just yet.

The Yamamoto sweepstakes are certainly quite exciting, one wonders how fun his announcement will be.

Read more: Yankees? Contingency Plan: Possibility of an Infield Trade if the Yoshinobu Yamamoto Deal Falls Through