In a stellar performance that is sure to intensify the already heated bidding war, Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto recently delivered a masterful performance on the mound, setting a new record in Japan Series play.
The Yankees and Mets are just two of the several MLB teams expected to be interested in signing Yamamoto.
The Orix Buffaloes ace showcased his dominance in Game 6 of the Japan Series against the Hanshin Tigers.
Yamamoto went the distance in the 5-1 complete-game victory … His impressive stat line featured 14 strikeouts and no walks. He threw 138 pitches – a number that has unfortunately become virtually unheard of in modern-day major league baseball.
The Yoshinobu Yamamoto hype is REAL! pic.twitter.com/qYISuoSKqn
— Victor Weiland (@Farmervic42) November 6, 2023
Yamamoto’s stellar regular season performance further underscores his appeal.
The 25-year-old right-hander finished the season with a 16-8 record and a sensational 1.21 ERA. He had 169 strikeouts in 164 innings.
His outstanding 14-strikeout performance set a new Japan Series record, surpassing the previous mark held by Yu Darvish in 2007.
"This is going to be the best pitcher that's ever come over from Japan."
– @StevePhillipsGM on Yoshinobu Yamamoto 👀 pic.twitter.com/xW9xc3w2l1
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 6, 2023
The anticipated bidding war for Yamamoto’s services is projected to start at a staggering $200 million over six or seven years.
This would surpass the record-setting $155 million deal inked by Masahiro Tanaka with the Yankees in 2014, marking the richest MLB contract ever received by a pitcher transitioning from Japan.
Yamamoto’s potential move to the MLB has garnered widespread attention, with the young pitcher expected to be one of the most coveted free agents this winter.
Several MLB teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, Cardinals, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Tigers have been linked to the talented right-hander, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
When the dust settles, where do you think Yamamoto will end up?
Will he live up to the hype???