MLB
When can Yoshinobu Yamamoto come to the MLB? Japan’s star pitcher timeline and posting explained
The Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will become a free agent on Tuesday. Major League Baseball teams can sign him until 5 p.m. ET on January 4.
As the MLB offseason continues, the excitement surrounding the next move of another ‘Rising Sun’ prodigy, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is growing. According to sources, the Japanese pitcher will meet with various teams in the coming weeks, with early December earmarked for these crucial discussions.
While they may hold a late November meeting, logistical considerations, especially during the Thanksgiving week, suggest a more realistic timeline in early December. However, the location of these key meetings is still unknown. Unlike previous encounters in Los Angeles, Yamamoto has opted against a traditional ballpark tour, skipping iconic venues like Citi Field, Yankee Stadium, and Fenway Park.
Three powerhouse teams, the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox, are the frontrunners for the player’s services, and they are diligently preparing presentations recognizing the impact this player could have on their respective rosters. Although there is no confirmed time and place, teams expect his decision within the next week or two.
What can Yamamoto offer to his employers?
Yamamoto played for the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball and made his NPB debut in 2017. He is a two-time Pacific League Most Valuable Player, a three-time Eiji Sawamura Award winner, and a three-time Japanese Triple Crown winner.
Sources reveal that the player is particularly intrigued by the Yankees’ storied history, with the Pinstripes’ allure playing an important role. Meanwhile, the Mets, bolstered by ample resources and a welcoming approach from key figures, are making a compelling case. The Red Sox, too, are still in contention, offering a persuasive pitch to secure the sought-after talent.
Analysts are considering the potential impact of a significant pitching addition, with Yamamoto and Sang forming a dynamic duo. The idea of a six-man rotation raises questions about bullpen adjustments. With a larger bullpen, the roles of relief pitchers may shift, necessitating more multi-inning specialists or flexible roster options.
As the rumors continue to swirl and the offseason drama unfolds, everybody in baseball is waiting for the decision that could reshape the landscape of the upcoming season. The stage is set, and the countdown to the revelation of the player’s destination has begun.