Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sweeps Up 7 MLB Suitor Teams in Bidding War Bonanza

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the single name now on the lips of each baseball fan. The 25-year-old Samurai Japan ace is amid an unprecedented free agency and has finally shortlisted 7 of the biggest teams in MLB. How do they stack up against each other?

The contract estimates for Yamamoto started at $200 million but have risen to a massive $300 million. As a result, only the most deep-pocketed clubs remain in his sweepstakes, and even then, money might not be the be-all and end-all here.

The Top 7 for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

1. New York Yankees

The perpetual favorites the “Big Bad Yankees” can live up to that tag by getting both Juan Soto and Yamamoto in the same offseason. They are ready to break through the highest luxury taxation threshold to get the ace. The team’s main selling point is its history and worldwide popularity. The only issue? Yamamoto could become second-fiddle to 2023 Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.

1. New York Mets

The richest team in baseball, the New York Mets have suddenly sprung back to life after their owner took a flight to Japan a few weeks ago. Additionally, Japanese sensation Kodai Senga can give Yamamoto some familiarity in an alien environment.

1. LA Dodgers

Even though the Dodgers have just signed Shohei Ohtani to a $700 million contract, they aren’t stopping now. Aiming to create a winning formula, they’re willing to go all in on Yamamoto. The salary deference of Ohtani has given them flexibility and their perpetual playoff placements make them an attractive choice.

1. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have been active in the trade market. After giving away Alex Verdugo and getting Tyler O’Neil, they need a starting pitcher. Only they can make Yamamoto the No. 1 ace immediately. Even though the BoSox haven’t made a big free agent signing in a long time, this could be it.

1. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays faced a heartbreak during their Ohtani pursuit. Ace Alek Manoah’s epic fall last year has necessitated a good starting pitcher and they want a star. Yamamoto fits the bill perfectly and would get a team that is on the verge of glory.

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

1. San Francisco Giants

Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Shohei Ohtani, the list is growing. Because the Giants have failed to make a defining signing for years now they’d do everything to get Yamamoto. Additionally, their pitcher-friendly ballpark is another plus point for the 3x Sawamura Award winner.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have got their main target, Aaron Nola, but a rotation can always be strengthened more. They’ve gotten close to winning the World Series for two consecutive years; could Yamamoto be the one to lead them to the zenith? They’ve shown their willingness to spend money if the need arises.

In a free-for-all, who will emerge as the ultimate winner?

Read more: New York Mets Receive New Underdog Status in Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sweepstakes, Fans Unhappy