The Los Angeles Dodgers are formally introducing Yoshinobu Yamamoto during a press conference at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, beginning at 3 p.m. PT. Much like with Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto’s first public comments and appearance since signing with the Dodgers figures to draw worldwide attention, specifically in Japan, where it begins at 8 a.m.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts are going to join Yamamaoto from the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium. Members from the Dodgers’ ownership group and additional front office personnel are expected to be on hand as well.
Yamamaoto signed a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers that was finalized on Wednesday afternoon. Bryan Hudson was designated for assignment in order to make room for Yamamoto on the 40-man roster.
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The deal includes the Dodgers needing to pay a $50.6 million posting fee to the Orix Buffaloes. Yamamoto’s contract also has opt-out clauses after the 2029 and 2031 seasons, respectively.
The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Dodgers, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were believed to be the most serious bidders for Yamamoto. The Dodgers, Mets and Yankees reportedly were the finalists for the 25-year-old.
“I’d like to thank everyone in the Orix organization, the Dodger organization and all the people close to me who have given me so much support throughout this free-agent process,” Yamamoto said in a statement. “I am truly excited to wear Dodger Blue and can’t wait to play in front of a packed Dodger Stadium.”
How to watch Yoshinobu Yamamoto press conference
A live stream of Yamamoto’s press conference at Dodger Stadium is viewable in the video above.
SportsNet LA is also carrying it in its entirety, it can be found on MLB Network, and AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio is broadcasting the Yamamoto press conference for fans who may be on the move.
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