The Philadelphia Phillies made the first significant move of the offseason when they signed pitcher Aaron Nola to a lucrative seven-year, $172 million contract.
The deal keeps the popular Nola in Philly – and it seems that the front office’s work is far from over when it comes to solidifying their rotation.
According to a report by Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies will be “pretty aggressive” in pursuing Japanese free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Even with the re-signing of Aaron Nola, the Phillies are "still in" on Yamamoto per @byalexcoffey. 👀 pic.twitter.com/hcelihjw0h
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) November 20, 2023
Coffey’s source also told him that “if they don’t settle on the right price, they won’t push for a deal.”
Matt Gelb of The Athletic supports this claim, stating that the Phillies likely won’t be the top bidder for Yamamoto after finalizing the Nola deal.
Gelb emphasizes the financial constraints the team might face, especially considering the projected nine-year, $225 million price tag for Yamamoto’s first Major League contract.
Adding to the complexity, Gelb expresses skepticism about the Phillies chances due to the team’s limited history with Japanese players, particularly the absence of any Japanese pitcher on Philadelphia’s roster to date.
However, despite these hurdles, special circumstances surrounding Yamamoto’s potential move to North American baseball have kept the Phillies interested.
The 25-year-old right-hander, with seven dominant seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, could potentially become a cornerstone in the Philadelphia’s rotation for the next decade.
SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto is now eligible to negotiate with MLB teams.
Reported Teams Interested: PHI, NYM, ATL, STL, CHC, SFG, SDP, LAD, ARI, NYY, TOR, BOS, DET, TEX.
He has 45 days to sign a deal (January 4th). If he doesn’t sign by then, he will pitch in Japan next year. pic.twitter.com/xwK3Wzy8tl
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) November 21, 2023
If Yamamoto signs with another team, the Phillies are likely to focus on acquiring depth starters or multi-inning relievers, as Coffey deems it “unlikely” for the team to pivot to another top-tier hurler.
Photoshopping Yoshinobu Yamamoto in a Philly jersey every day until he’s a Phillie
Day: 1
Jersey: Phillies pinstripes pic.twitter.com/rzMDWo8rrr— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) November 15, 2023
Do you think the Phillies have a realistic shot at Yamamoto?
Where do you think he will end up???