Yoshinobu Yamamoto continues to dominate headlines in the MLB offseason following Shohei Ohtani’s signing, and the Japanese pitcher is intensifying his scrutiny of potential teams.
Yamamoto engaged in a second meeting with the New York Mets, choosing an intimate setting by dining at the residence of Mets owner Steve Cohen on Saturday night. This marked his second encounter with Cohen, who had previously made a journey to Japan to meet face-to-face with the talented pitcher. Subsequently, on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees wrapped up their second meeting with Yamamoto, a follow-up to their initial encounter in Los Angeles.
Beyond the Yankees and Mets, several other competitive teams are vying for Yamamoto’s signature, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays. Recent speculation suggests that the deal Yamamoto is negotiating may surpass not only the $300 million mark but also extend well beyond the conventional 10-year contract duration.
At 25 years old, Yamamoto boasts an impressive track record, having clinched the Pacific League MVP title for three consecutive years. During this remarkable span, he achieved the pitching triple crown in each season, amassing a stellar 70-29 record with a remarkable 1.82 ERA throughout his Nippon Professional Baseball career.
As the MLB offseason unfolds, the anticipation surrounding Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s decision escalates, with multiple teams anxiously awaiting news of the outcome of their meetings and the potential impact on the league’s landscape.
