Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees fail to sign coveted Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, owing to recruitment efforts by Shohei Ohtani for the LA Dodgers.
– Having won the pitching Triple Crown in Japanese Baseball, Yamamoto signed a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million deal with the LA Dodgers.
– Despite Gerrit Cole’s current absence, Yamamoto’s potential teaming with him would have noticeably strengthened the Yankees.
– Yamamoto’s performance so far supports his price tag with a 3-1 record in seven starts and a respectable 2.91 ERA.
Earlier this year, the New York Yankees made headlines after trading for outfielder Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres in a massive seven-player deal. While this move greatly boosted their roster, they also desired another spectacular addition. Yet, their ambitious plans were thwarted by Shohei Ohtani’s successful recruitment of one of baseball’s hottest pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, to the Los Angeles Dodgers as reported by USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale.
A Desired Addition Thwarted by Ohtani
From the LA Dodgers’ perspective, signing two-time American League MVP, Shohei Ohtani, was a significant move. However, Ohtani’s direct influence in the LA Dodgers’ acquisition of Yoshinobu Yamamoto from Japan elevated their offseason activities to another level.
Nightengale reported that Ohtani played a pivotal role in convincing Yamamoto to sign with the Dodgers. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s caliber and influence, praising Shohei’s impact on Yamamoto’s decision and acknowledging the allure for fellow Japanese players to become teammates.
Yamamoto’s Outstanding Achievements
Deemed one of the most sought-after pitchers in free agency, Yamamoto boasts a prestigious track record. Sonja Chen from MLB.com said that the pitcher had secured a renowned “Triple Crown” in Japanese professional baseball, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Yamamoto also clinched the Eiji Sawamura Award, comparable to the prestigious Cy Young Award in American baseball, for three consecutive seasons.
The Dodgers certainly recognized Yamamoto’s potential, granting him an extraordinary 12-year, $325 million deal, the most substantial guaranteed money ever awarded to a pitcher, surpassing Gerrit Cole’s record by $1 million.
Yamamoto’s Absence Felt in Yankees’ Rotation
Yamamoto’s addition could’ve been pivotal for the New York Yankees, especially in light of Gerrit Cole’s current absence. Yamamoto is ideally suited to perform as the team’s ace during Cole’s recovery, given his commendable stats of three wins and one loss in seven starts, and a remarkable 2.91 ERA.
Even upon Cole’s return, the Japanese pitcher’s presence next to him would’ve boosted the team’s rotation phenomenally. Cole, who had won his first American League Cy Young Award in 2023, recorded a 2.53 ERA, a 15-4 win-loss record, and pitched 209.0 innings, all top figures in the American League in the same year.
Since Yoshinobu Yamamoto eventually signed with the LA Dodgers, the Yankees missed out on a unique opportunity to bolster their pitching squad. Despite this, the New York team remains a formidable force, considering their strong start to the 2024 season. They may have missed out on Yamamoto; however, the Yankees have proven their potential in player acquisitions and will undoubtedly make further strategic moves in the upcoming transfer seasons.
Source: Heavy.com, USA TODAY, MLB.com