Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Hot Stove Speculation Heats Up Among MLB Suitors
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are always in on big-name free agents, but they haven't come out on top in many of those discussions. What's the old saying, always the bridesmaid, never the bride? The Giants continue to search for a new face of the franchise, and although they would likely prefer that in the form of Ohtani, Yamamoto certainly isn't a bad consolation prize.
New York Yankees
After the New York Yankees moved on from some talented young arms in the Juan Soto trade, it's not a surprise that their interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto has also heated up. An offseason where the Yankees add Yamamoto to a rotation headlined by Gerrit Cole and a young superstar in Juan Soto? It's hard to imagine a better one in the Bronx.
New York Mets
The New York Mets traded away Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander prior to the 2023 MLB trade deadline. There are now some open spots in their rotation after the failed experiment with the pair of future Hall of Famers. The Mets signed Kodai Senga last offseason, and he was dominant. Would it be a shock if Senga helped recruit Yamamoto? Reports suggest Mets owner Steve Cohen already traveled to Japan to meet with Yamamoto, and we know this franchise isn't short on money.
Los Angeles Dodgers
If the Dodgers don't land Shohei Ohtani, don't be surprised if they go all in to address a need in their starting rotation. With Ohtani's decision reportedly close, their pursuit of Yamamoto could heat up, regardless of if they land the two-way phenom. The Dodgers have the money to spend and a clear need at the top of their rotation. Walker Buehler is expected to return in 2024, but adding Yamamoto to the top of the rotation could take this Dodgers group to another level.
Toronto Blue Jays
There's a world where the Dodgers could land both Yamamoto and Ohtani, but we don't see that same thing transpiring for the Toronto Blue Jays. It's likely one or the other for this franchise, and if they miss out on Ohtani, don't be surprised if the Blue Jays up their ante for Yamamoto. The Blue Jays already have a strong starting rotation, but adding to a strength is never a bad strategy.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are always in on big-name free agents, but they haven't come out on top in many of those discussions. What's the old saying, always the bridesmaid, never the bride? The Giants continue to search for a new face of the franchise, and although they would likely prefer that in the form of Ohtani, Yamamoto certainly isn't a bad consolation prize.
New York Yankees
After the New York Yankees moved on from some talented young arms in the Juan Soto trade, it's not a surprise that their interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto has also heated up. An offseason where the Yankees add Yamamoto to a rotation headlined by Gerrit Cole and a young superstar in Juan Soto? It's hard to imagine a better one in the Bronx.
