MLB News and Rumors: Ohtani’s Dark Horse, Yamamoto’s Timeline
As the holiday season unfolds, Major League Baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the flurry of player movement that typically occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the news has been relatively slow, there are intriguing developments and rumors circulating in the baseball world.
**Braves Enter the Ohtani Sweepstakes?**
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation, has been a hot topic of discussion among several teams vying for his services. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been considered favorites, with the Cubs, Mets, and Rangers also in the mix. The Blue Jays have quietly emerged as a sleeper candidate, while the Angels hope to retain Ohtani’s talents. Now, a new contender has entered the conversation—the Atlanta Braves.
MLB.com’s Jon Morosi has labeled the Braves as a “dark horse” team in the Ohtani sweepstakes. Morosi believes that both the Blue Jays and Braves appeal to Ohtani from a competitive standpoint. The Braves, coming off back-to-back 100-win seasons and a 2021 World Series victory, possess a solid foundation of young talent and financial resources. It’s a compelling destination that Ohtani could find attractive.
**Yamamoto’s MLB Journey Takes Shape**
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the ace pitcher from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and a three-time Sawamura Award winner (equivalent to the Cy Young), has officially been posted and is open to signing with any MLB team. While the exact process remains uncertain, there is a tentative timeline for Yamamoto’s potential signing.
According to SNY reports, Yamamoto is set to begin virtual meetings with interested MLB teams next week. Subsequently, he plans to return to Japan for further discussions. The narrowing down of teams will follow these initial remote meetings. Once the MLB Winter Meetings conclude in Nashville from December 4-7, Yamamoto will meet with the finalists in person.
Although he has until January 4 to finalize a deal (45 days from posting), it is anticipated that Yamamoto won’t require the full duration. Numerous teams, particularly those with pitching needs and financial flexibility, have expressed interest. The Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, Phillies, Blue Jays, Giants, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks are among the teams reportedly in the mix.
In his impressive 2022 season in Japan, Yamamoto compiled a 17-6 record in 24 starts, boasting a remarkable 1.16 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP, and an impressive 176 strikeouts across 171 innings. As the bidding for Yamamoto’s services heats up, MLB fans eagerly await his transition to the big leagues.