A highly anticipated sweepstakes of Japanese phenomena Yoshinobu Yamamoto that lasted several weeks brought nothing but disappointment for the New York Yankees. Those following the pursuit know how the Bronx Bombers stayed desperate. The front office adhered to each of the pitcher’s demands.
Whether flying to Los Angeles or hosting a second round of talks in New York, the Yankees left no stone unturned to express their desperation. However, Yoshinobu Yamamoto seemingly snubbed the Bombers to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a hefty deal. Meanwhile, the pitcher finally opened up on the events that led to his decision at his introductory press conference.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Joined The Dodgers To Win World Series Championship!
Japanese ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was officially introduced as a Dodger on Wednesday via a press conference. The team signed him in a 12-year $325 contract, thus making Yamamoto the costliest pitcher in MLB’s existence. Having said that, the ace starter opened up on what factors fueled his decision to join forces with the Dodgers. Yamamoto said that while Shohei Ohtani’s presence made a difference, it was one of the many reasons why he deemed the Dodgers to be the best fit. He said that he always had eyes on Hollywood since the start of free agency. Not only that, the pitcher apparently wanted to be in a championship-caliber team. He says that the Dodgers showed him their desire and desperation to win, and that surely was the quality he got attracted to.
If that’s the case, did Yoshinobu Yamamoto think the Yankees weren’t capable of winning? While the pitcher didn’t take any names, he thanked every team for their interest this off-season. He confessed that he felt overwhelmed by the numerous contracts being offered. But at the end of the day, Yamamoto had to choose one. Having said that, it’s now clear that joining forces with the Yankees was never in Yamamoto’s plan. It’s because his agent, Joel Wolfe, said to LA Times that if the Dodgers hadn’t pursued him, the pitcher would have signed with the San Francisco Giants. Does that mean that Yoshinobu was toying around with not only the Yanks but also the Mets, for that matter? Maybe. But overall, Yamamoto’s recent statements would not sit well with the Yankee fans, and they would surely give him a hard time the next time Yamamoto sets foot in the Bronx.
Yankees Set High Hopes From Carlos Rodon For 2024 Season!
Amid a fallout with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Yankees have no option but to fall back on inhouse candidates to step up, starting with Carlos Rodon. The pitcher, who signed a six-year $162 million contract earlier this year, proved an absolute bust in 2023. He finished the 2023 season with an ERA of 6 and above.
Regardless, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone is optimistic about the future. While speaking to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, Boone said Carlos Rodon has had a good winter training so far. The team is trying to put him in a good position with respect to training and workout regime. But overall, Rodon’s foundation for the 2024 season seems really good to the skipper.