Dodgers News: LA Scouts Traveled to Japan to Watch Pitching Sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is primed for a spot in Major League Baseball as he continues to dominate in Japan.
This season, the 25-year-old holds a 13-5 record with a 1.34 ERA and a 6.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Because of his big-league potential, teams around the majors are flocking to Japan to scout the two-time MVP.
According to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers traveled to Japan recently to watch Yamamoto play as well as the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Rangers and Tigers.
Typically, players become international free agents after playing nine years in the Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. However, those who want to get out early can request to be “posted” for Major League clubs.
All 30 MLB clubs have 45 days to fight for a player’s signature after he is posted and have to play the Japanese team a release fee that can reach as high as $20 million.
As many clubs have already shown interest in Yamamoto, it could be a free-for-all in courting the promising prospect.
Photo Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
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