NEW YORK — Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s massive $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers comes with two opt-out clauses tied to his pitching elbow’s condition. While the timing of these opt-outs depends on his elbow health, they could significantly impact his future with the team.
If Yamamoto undergoes Tommy John surgery or is on the injured list for a right elbow injury for 134 consecutive service days from 2024-29, he would have the right to opt out after the 2031 and 2033 World Series. However, if he avoids these setbacks, he can instead opt out after the 2029 and 2031 World Series.
In the first scenario, the Dodgers would gain a $10 million conditional option for 2036 with no buyout. Additionally, Yamamoto cannot block trades but retains the right to opt out of the contract after the end of any season in which he is traded.
This monumental contract was announced just two weeks after the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year deal.
Yamamoto’s salary structure is as follows: $5 million this year, $10 million in 2025, and $12 million in 2026. His earnings increase substantially in the subsequent years, with $26 million annually from 2027-2029, $29 million each in the following two seasons, and $28 million from 2032-2035.
As part of the agreement between Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball, the Dodgers are obligated to pay a posting fee of $50,625,000 to the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League. This posting fee, along with the contract, brings the total cost of acquiring Yamamoto to just over $375 million. Yamamoto will receive $20 million of his $50 million signing bonus by February 1 and the remainder by July 1.
Yamamoto’s contract also includes various perks such as a full-time interpreter, personal trainer, and physical therapist. He is entitled to a hotel suite during road trips and receives five round-trip airline tickets each year. Importantly, he cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent.
This historic contract surpasses Gerrit Cole’s $324 million, nine-year deal with the New York Yankees, making it the longest-ever for a pitcher, exceeding Wayne Garland’s $2.3 million, 10-year agreement with Cleveland in 1976 as part of the first free agent class.
Despite the Dodgers’ substantial investment, they secured Yamamoto, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher with no major league experience. The New York Yankees reportedly offered a $300 million, 10-year contract, but it fell short of Yamamoto’s expectations.
The Dodgers have been the top spenders this offseason, committing over $1.2 billion to Ohtani, Yamamoto, and pitcher Tyler Glasnow, who agreed to a $136.6 million, five-year contract as part of his trade from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Yamamoto’s remarkable performance in Japan, where he was 16-6 with a 1.21 ERA last season, adds to the excitement around his arrival in Major League Baseball. He struck out 169 batters and walked only 28 in 164 innings. Yamamoto was also a two-time Pacific League MVP.
Under the MLB-NPB agreement, the posting fee for Yamamoto’s contract will be 20% of the first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any amount over $50 million. A supplemental fee of 15% will apply to any earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options.