Phillies Have Made Offer To Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The Philadelphia Phillies have formally offered a contract to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, according to reports. While the terms are unknown, it is believed that the Phillies are aggressively pursuing the NPB star.
Phillies Make Official Offer
The Phillies have put forth a formal contract offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, writes Matt Gelb of the Athletic. While terms are unreported, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote earlier in the week the club was planning to be aggressive in its pursuit of the NPB star.
It’s notable, if unsurprising, that the Phillies have put an official proposal on the table. Nevertheless, both Gelb and Coffey suggest it’s unlikely the Phillies’ offer will be the highest that Yamamoto receives. Gelb adds that team officials are uncertain how much interest the pitcher has in Philadelphia.
That all aligns with earlier reporting casting the Phils as a relative long shot among the seven known finalists: the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Red Sox being the others. Yamamoto didn’t stop in Philadelphia as part of his North American tour, instead meeting with club personnel in Los Angeles.
Competition for Yamamoto
Of course, the starting point for most free agents is financial. If the Phillies’ offer does wind up below the top bids, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign elsewhere. Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily need a starting pitcher. A front five of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and Cristopher Sánchez is strong. Prospect Mick Abel could pitch his way into the midseason mix. Even if there’s no question the group would be improved by adding NPB’s best pitcher, other clubs could feel more urgency to top the market.
The Dodgers are reportedly weighing an offer that’d land somewhere between $250MM and $300MM. SNY’s Andy Martino said last night that the Mets were putting together “a very serious offer” of their own. Most or all of the seven clubs with which the 25-year-old has met recently are likely to submit an offer this week.
Yamamoto has until the evening of January 4 to sign. He isn’t expected to wait that long. There has been speculation he could decide by the end of the week, although that’s not guaranteed. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman tweeted this evening that while one executive involved in the bidding expected Yamamoto to sign before Christmas, another suggested he could deliberate until just before the end of the year.
Yamamoto's Future
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the highly sought-after pitcher, has received an offer from the Philadelphia Phillies. While the terms of the offer remain unknown, it is clear that the Phillies are actively pursuing him. However, it is uncertain if their offer will be the highest one he receives.
Among the seven known finalists for Yamamoto, including the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Red Sox, the Phillies are considered a long shot. Yamamoto did not visit Philadelphia during his North American tour, opting to meet with club personnel in Los Angeles instead.
Financial considerations play a significant role in the decision-making process for free agents. If the Phillies' offer falls short compared to others, it would not be surprising for Yamamoto to choose another team. While the Phillies already possess a strong starting rotation, they could still benefit from adding the top pitcher from NPB. However, other clubs may have a greater urgency to outbid their competition.
