As one of Japan’s most talented pitchers, 25-year-old Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Orix Buffaloes has set the stage for a fierce bidding war among MLB teams. With his 45-day negotiation window officially open, it’s no surprise that Yamamoto has already garnered significant interest from numerous teams.
Joel Wolfe, the agent representing Yamamoto, has revealed that he’s been contacted by 11 to 14 MLB teams, marking an unprecedented level of interest at the outset of free agency. Wolfe, an executive vice president at Wasserman, one of the sport’s major agencies, emphasized that Yamamoto is open to negotiations without any geographical restrictions. While any specific preferences he may have are kept private, it’s clear that he’s in high demand.
The list of teams expressing interest in Yamamoto is extensive, nearly outnumbering those who haven’t been linked to him. The Cardinals, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants, Red Sox, and Dodgers have all been reported as potential suitors. This diverse group of teams underscores Yamamoto’s appeal to both contenders and those eyeing future competitiveness.
Yamamoto’s scouting report in MLB circles has been overwhelmingly positive, with consensus views that he possesses the qualities of a top-tier starting pitcher, likely a No. 1 or No. 2 starter. With his age, exceptional track record in Japan, and his ability to maintain a sub-2.00 ERA in four of his past five seasons, he’s poised to command one of the most substantial contracts ever for an NPB pitcher transitioning to MLB, potentially exceeding $200 million, in addition to the posting fee.
Yamamoto’s impressive achievements in Japan include winning three consecutive Sawamura Awards, Japan’s equivalent of the MLB Cy Young Award, and posting an outstanding 1.21 ERA in 2023. His strikeout rate of over 27% and a manageable 5.7% walk rate further solidify his credentials.
Any MLB team signing Yamamoto will need to pay a posting/release fee to the Buffaloes, calculated as 20% of the contract’s first $25 million, plus 17.5% of the next $25 million (a total of $9.375 million), and 15% of any amount thereafter. In a hypothetical scenario based on MLBTR’s predicted nine-year, $225 million deal, the total cost, including the posting fee, would reach $260.25 million. Given Yamamoto’s youth and high demand, it wouldn’t be surprising if the contract includes an opt-out clause, allowing him to re-enter free agency in his late 20s after establishing himself as a top MLB pitcher.