Dodgers Outmuscle Rivals in Yoshinobu Yamamoto Signing Race

In a spectacular display of financial might, the Los Angeles Dodgers have notched another victory in the offseason, securing Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto with a monumental 12-year, $325 million contract. As the Dodgers continue to flex their financial muscle, let’s dissect how other MLB contenders fared in the pursuit of Yamamoto.

Dodgers’ Lavish Spending Spree

After the groundbreaking $700 million deal with Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers didn’t hit the brakes. They clinched another prized talent in Yamamoto, making their offseason spending soar above $1 billion. The Dodgers didn’t shy away from paying a reported $50.6 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto’s former Nippon Professional Baseball team.

Yamamoto, at 25, arrives in MLB with an illustrious three-year stint in Japan, bagging three consecutive MVPs and Sawamura Awards, boasting a remarkable 1.65 ERA over 820.1 innings with 856 strikeouts.

Dodgers vs. Other Contenders

Several MLB heavyweights were vying for Yamamoto’s services, including the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Giants, Red Sox, and Blue Jays. Let’s explore how close these teams came to luring Yamamoto away from the Dodgers.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Dodgers Contract

The Dodgers sealed the deal with a 12-year, $325 million contract for Yamamoto, sans any deferrals. This means an average annual value (AAV) of approximately $27.1 million over the 12 years. Adding a $50 million signing bonus and two opt-outs sweetened the deal.

Competing Offers

The Yankees reportedly capped their offer at 10 years and $300 million, offering a higher AAV but over a shorter period compared to the Dodgers. The Mets, making a significant push, matched the Dodgers’ deal, raising their bid from the high $200 million range.

The Phillies, Giants, Red Sox, and Blue Jays were also in the mix, with no specific details on their offers. However, they collectively fell short against the Dodgers’ financial prowess.

Mets’ Aggressive Pursuit

The Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen and president David Stearns, intensified their bid, flying to Japan on the day of Yamamoto’s posting. The Mets also had a personal meeting with Yamamoto during his U.S. tour. Despite their efforts, the Dodgers’ financial clout prevailed.

Yankees’ Priorities

The Yankees, initially viewed as favorites, presented a 10-year, $300 million offer. However, indications suggest they prioritized a blockbuster trade for Juan Soto, ultimately making a significant move in early December.

In summary, the Dodgers, with their unmatched spending power, emerged victorious in the Yamamoto sweepstakes, leaving other contenders trailing in their wake.