As the holiday season approaches, Major League Baseball teams are still actively seeking to make significant moves. The top free agent available, Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, continues to draw attention, and numerous notable names are still on the trade market, ensuring that the rumor mill remains active for the foreseeable future.
Dodgers’ Pursuit of Yamamoto
The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made substantial moves this offseason, securing the services of Shohei Ohtani with a historic 10-year, $700 million deal and acquiring top trade target Tyler Glasnow. However, it appears that they are not finished shopping at the upper echelon of the market. Recent reports suggest that the Dodgers are preparing a substantial offer for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the sought-after Japanese ace.
While the exact details of the Dodgers’ bid are yet to be disclosed, there is speculation that it could range from $250 million to $300 million. This significant offer reflects the Dodgers’ determination to compete for the highly coveted free agent, who has garnered interest from other major-market teams like the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.
Although the precise state of the bidding war for Yamamoto remains unclear, several league sources anticipate that he will secure a contract exceeding $300 million. Even if this projection proves ambitious, he is poised to shatter the previous record for the largest deal signed by an incoming Japanese pitcher, currently held by Masahiro Tanaka at $155 million.
Red Sox and Giants Still in the Mix for Yamamoto
The competition for Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s signature remains fierce, with the Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco Giants both actively vying for his services. The Red Sox are reportedly still very much in contention, as indicated by reports from The Athletic. The Giants, too, are believed to be in the hunt, having held discussions with Yamamoto in San Francisco last week. Both teams have a clear need for a top-tier starting pitcher.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees have been considered frontrunners in the pursuit of Yamamoto, the landscape may shift as the signing deadline of January 4 approaches. Yamamoto, with multiple suitors, has a crucial decision to make in the coming days.
Burnes Unlikely to Sign Extension
Right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers, who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, has expressed his strong desire for free agency. Unlike some players who quickly sign extensions after being traded, Burnes values the opportunity to explore the open market and choose his next destination.
Burnes stated, “It would have to be something that would just absolutely blow you away to get you away from testing the free agent market and being able to choose where you want to go.” He emphasized that reaching free agency is a significant milestone for players, allowing them to determine their market value and select the most favorable offers.
Brewers Sign Eric Haase
The Milwaukee Brewers recently announced the signing of veteran catcher Eric Haase to a one-year contract. Haase split the previous season between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians, posting a 45 OPS+ in 293 plate appearances. However, his earlier two-year stint with the Tigers showcased his potential, as he achieved a 108 OPS+ from 2021 to 2022.
This signing comes after the Brewers lost backup catcher Victor Caratini to the Houston Astros earlier in the offseason. Eric Haase is expected to fill the role of William Contreras’ primary backup behind the plate for the Brewers in the upcoming season.