Earlier this week the Orix Buffaloes announced their intention to post Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which would make him available to every team as part of MLB free agency.
Any team that signs Yamamoto has to pay Orix a posting fee that is equal to 20% of the contract’s first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million and 15% of any additional dollars.
Early projections have Yamamoto in line to receive contract offers north of $200 million, which would set a record for a pitcher leaving Japan. He’s rumored to have a large-market team high on his list of priorities.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Yamamoto is expected to officially become an MLB free agent at some point in the near future:
Sources: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto's posting window will open "soon," likely within the next week.
Once the Orix Buffaloes formally post him for @MLB clubs, the teams will have a 45-day window to negotiate with his representative and agree on a contract.@MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 9, 2023
Yamamoto is poised to become arguably the top arm in free agency, after he went 17-6 with a 1.21 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 176 strikeouts in 24 games this past season.
Once posted, he figures to be one of the priority targets for several teams. The only hurdle lies in the posting fee, which has to be factored into the overall cost to sign Yamamoto.
Dodgers interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dating back to the beginning of 2023, Friedman has reportedly been a notable presence in maintaining the Dodgers’ interest in Yamamoto. Being just one piece to an incredibly talented group of arms in the NPB, he’s been a force.
In February of this year, Friedman made the trip to Japan to scout Yamamoto firsthand. With his ceiling being a No. 1 starter in MLB, the Dodgers’ desire to add him to their rotation should be very noteworthy.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
