The MLB hot stove is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting a decision from highly-coveted Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Having met with multiple teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers, formal offers are now reportedly being extended.
During a segment on MLB Network Tuesday morning, insider Jon Morosi predicted that Yamamoto would likely sign with a team by the end of the calendar year, possibly even by the end of the week. When asked about a potential frontrunner, Morosi pointed to the Yankees.
RELATED: Shohei Ohtani Recruiting Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Dodgers
“As I mentioned on the show yesterday, the Yankees are seen by many as the frontrunner, and I still believe that is the case,” Morosi stated. “It would likely require a substantial offer from either the Mets or the Dodgers to lure him away from the Yankees, given his longstanding connection and affinity there.”
Both the Yankees and Dodgers have made significant moves this offseason, acquiring Juan Soto and signing Shohei Ohtani, respectively. The Mets, under billionaire owner Steve Cohen, are also aiming to make a notable impact by reinforcing their starting rotation and adding a star player to their roster.
The conclusion of this intense free agent battle is expected to be an exciting one, with the Yankees potentially making a substantial financial commitment to secure Yamamoto.
