Japanese ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has garnered a lot of attention from MLB teams this year. As soon as the ace announced his decision to take a leap, MLB teams thronged Japan to scout the pitcher by watching him up close. Brian Cashman, the New York Yankees general manager, was one of them who left highly impressed with Yamamoto.
In Cashman’s presence, Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a no-hitter game, which left the former in awe. While the GM didn’t express his interest in going after Yamamoto during his Japan trip, the fact of the matter is that the Yankees are heavily invested. Apparently, Hal Steinbrenner has saved up a large chunk dedicated only to the pitcher. But how much should Steinbrenner actually offer to stay within the financial limit?
Yankees Mustn’t Cash Out Over $230 Million For Yoshinobu Yamamoto!
On Tuesday this week, Japanese ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto got posted in MLB’s free agency. MLB teams, including the New York Yankees, will have a 45-day negotiation window to reach an agreement. Having said that, franchise owner Hal Steinbrenner must stay careful of the financial implications. The pitcher’s agency could demand around $168 million for a seven-year long-term deal owing to current market standards. Starting pitchers are getting paid over $20 million a year these days. However, that’s an offer any other team can match. Thus, if the Bronx Bombers want to have an edge, they must up the stakes.
The Yankees must counter with a seven-year $175 million offer, which is estimated to be $25 million a year. The negotiations could go up to 29 million per year, but that should be the maximum limit. Ideally, Hal Steinbrenner shouldn’t sign up on an offer over $203 million. That’s a loss-making deal. However, in a scenario where the Yanks want to acquire Yamamoto out of desperation, they must add additional years, including trade clauses and option years. Needless to say, Yoshinobu won’t budge under $200 million. But anything over $220-230 should be a deal breaker. Having said that, as the off-season unravels, the Yanks’ pursuit of Yamamoto would get murkier day by day. As negotiations unfold, the fans would be closely watching in excitement.
Red Sox Leads Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Free Agency Odds!
DraftKings released Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s free agency odds, and the Boston Red Sox emerged as top suitors with +400 odds. The New York Mets stand at +220, with the New York Yankees standing fourth at +550. Undoubtedly, the Bombers will meet a lot of competition as the 45-day negotiation window closes down. The Yanks must put up a strong front and shouldn’t hesitate to spend big.
Of course, there has to be a certain limit. But the limit shouldn’t be too low to scare Yamamoto away. The Japanese ace’s inclination towards the New York sporting market could act as a plus. But ultimately, the negotiations would come down to only monetary means. Meanwhile, the Yankee fans would hope to see Yamamoto donning the pinstripes in the near future. He could be the one to change the face of the franchise in the long run.