Dodgers Reportedly Still Interested in Yoshinobu Yamamoto Despite Shohei Ohtani Signing
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the biggest free-agent sweepstakes in sports history. No matter what happens next, they have won. Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is a Dodger. A moment fans have waited for is finally reality.
The Dodgers have signed the free agent they have coveted for years, but their work is not done. There are still plenty of great players in free agency up for grabs, including the best pitcher to emerge from Japan – at least this year, if not ever – in Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Although the Dodgers have already paid a hefty sum for one free agent, that might not keep them from paying a high price for another. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Los Angeles is still interested and, more importantly, can still afford the skills of Yamamoto.
To think the Dodgers have a chance to get another elite talent via free agency is a welcome surprise, considering the heft of Ohtani’s contract. Although the two New York teams might be leading the bidding war according to Heyman, it’s tough to count out the Dodgers.
The Dodgers desperately need starting pitching, and there is no one better than Yamamoto. With Ohtani finally announcing his decision, the flood gates of free agency should be burst open. Expect many of the top free agents to come off the board in the next few weeks — and expect the Dodgers to be very active in trying to fill their needs.
Photo Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
The Ohtani deferment, TV contract from Japan. It’s not that crazy. A Yamamoto signing can make the Dodgers the favorite MLB team in Japan for a generation (even after the players retire) similar to how Fernando created a Mexican fan base that didn’t exist before he joined the team but is still strong 40 years later.
I agree with you 100%. This will be huge if the Dodgers can pull this off.
Absolutely! The comparison to Fernandomania cannot be understated. And, yes, it will last a couple generations. The outfielder from South Korea should also be a target as they need a corner OF with Betts at 2B permanently. The Dodgers have good inroads in the Korean community going back to Chan Ho Park, boosted by Hyun Jin Ryu, so adding this kid would solidify that fan base. As I’ve never lived in SoCal, what community is bigger; Little Japan or Little Korea?
Don’t know…but the Japanese community in L.A. is the largest in the USA
I also agree. Ohtani’s contract will be paid with revenue from those contracts and marketing. They should throw money at Yamamoto until he signs as that will make them a lock in Japan. The deferred money will probably be less to the Dodgers as I am sure they will set up a fund that will earn interest and pay off almost half the amount.
I think (hope) that Andrew Friedman still has big plans for improving the roster. Going into next season, the team as it stands right now is not much better than it was last season. JD Martinez had a great season and in an emergency could play the outfield. AF will improve the team. The next few months will be exciting!!!!!
Yes, Friedman still has big plans for the team and by Ohtani deferring his salary, that gives LA more room to spend. I do believe the team as constructed is way better than last year’s team though. Keep in mind, we had SP that were injured and will be back. Still would like a SP or 2 signed or traded for
Agree with the above commentators. I believe any two of the following starting pitchers would prove worthwhile: Yamamoto, Imanaga (lefty), Glasnow, Cease.
We still need a SS as lux isn’t a sure player and his numbers have always been inconsistent. Will adames + Burnes trade would make sense. Then get Yamamoto. Add a few bullpen guys and we’re ready to go. If possible add one extra mid tier starter to be sure we’re good this year.