Dodgers Secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto with Record-Breaking $325 Million Contract
Jan
The much-anticipated Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes have concluded, and once again, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerge as the victors. The Japanese ace has officially signed a monumental deal with the Dodgers, marking another significant move for the team in what has been a stellar offseason alongside two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani.
Key Contract Details
Yamamoto’s deal cements his status as the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Yankees star Gerrit Cole. The 12-year contract boasts a staggering $325 million overall value, with an average annual value exceeding $27 million per season. Notably, this places him in a tie for the ninth-highest contract among all MLB players in terms of overall value.
The contract includes a pair of opt-out clauses, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. However, specific details regarding these opt-outs are yet to be disclosed. Additionally, beyond the $325 million contractual sum, the Dodgers are responsible for a $50 million posting fee, bringing the total cost for Los Angeles to an impressive $375 million to secure the services of the right-handed ace.
Yamamoto’s Impressive Career
Yamamoto, 25 years old at the time of signing, represents one of the most intriguing prospects from Japan since Shohei Ohtani’s arrival in the MLB in 2018. His seven-season stint with the Orix Buffaloes in the Nippon Baseball League showcased his prowess, boasting a remarkable 1.72 ERA as a starter. The capstone to his NPB career was winning his third consecutive Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award, a feat achieved by only two others—Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki and right-handed pitcher Hisashi Yamada.
Age and Contract Duration
At the time of signing, Yamamoto is 25 years old, and the 12-year contract will see him through to its conclusion at the age of 37 in 2035.
MLB’s Largest Contracts in History
Overall Value:
- Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): 10 years, $700 million
- Mike Trout (Angels): 12 years, $426.5 million
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers): 12 years, $365 million
- Aaron Judge (Yankees): 9 years, $360 million
- Manny Machado (Padres): 11 years, $350 million
- Francisco Lindor (Mets): 10 years, $341 million
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres): 14 years, $340 million
- Bryce Harper (Phillies): 13 years, $330 million
- Giancarlo Stanton (Marlins): 13 years, $325 million
- Corey Seager (Rangers): 10 years, $325 million
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers): 12 years, $325 million