Yoshinobu Yamamoto is on everyone’s radar. The current off-season pitching market seems to revolve around the Japanese star. An ace-level talent available at the young age of 25, a rarity in MLB, most of the league’s high spenders are pursuing him. Yamamoto’s outstanding play in NPB leaves high hopes for a great future in American baseball. 

Among the interested teams, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers stand at the very top. But the Philadelphia Phillies made him his first formal offer, seemingly entering the fray. This adds a twist to the $300 million chase as the Japanese ace dominates headlines.

There is still no clear favorite to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Despite recent rumors of the Yankees and Mets gaining advantage in the race to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, there is no clear favorite for his services. In recent weeks Yamamoto had 2 meetings with the rival New York teams, and billionaire Mets owner Steve Cohen is preparing a massive bid. But it’s tough to rule out the Dodgers, who are looking to add serious pitching to their rotation. It must also be noted that the Phillies are seemingly in the race as well.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand said, “Some have now characterized the Yankees as the favorites to sign Yamamoto, though the Mets and Dodgers figure to remain firmly in the hunt until a decision is made.” This 25-year-old has turned the pitching market upside down. Every day, a different team seems to be the favorite to sign Yamamoto. Until he puts pen to paper and inks a likely $300 million deal, speculations will run rampant.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has not played a single minute of MLB baseball before, and this does not seem to be a problem. MLB teams are still willing to churn out hundreds of millions in a potentially historic deal for the 25-year-old pitcher. But one question does remain regarding the Japanese star amidst massive interest in signing him. 

Will Yamamoto succeed in MLB? 

Considering he has never pitched a major league game before, it’s hard to speculate his success in America. But with a resume like his, I believe that Yamamoto can succeed at the highest level. The Japanese ace has won the last 3 consecutive Pacific League MVPs and Eiji Sawamura awards. Furthermore, with an NPB career ERA of 1.72, he has been outstanding at limiting opposing batter’s scoring. 

Read More: First Shohei Ohtani, Now Yoshinobu Yamamoto: How Two Japanese Stars Brought the Free Agency Market to a Standstill

I believe this, along with his raw pitching ability, will allow Yoshinobu Yamamoto to succeed at the MLB level. Furthermore, a successful career seems to be in the 25-year-old’s future, arguably one of the best baseball has ever seen.

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