A new contender has emerged for free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The prized Japanese hurler has gained significant attention in Major League Baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees are among his most aggressive suitors. But there appears to be a new challenger emerging.
The Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a new contender for Yamamoto. The prized pitcher has fielded significant interest from the 2022 National League pennant winners.
Jon Heyman reported Philadelphia’s involvement with Yamamoto.
“Yoshinobu Yamamoto is meeting with a Phillies contingent today,” Heyman said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is meeting with a Phillies contingent today
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2023
The Phillies haven’t been shy about spending big to get big-time free agents. Philadelphia swung for the fences and acquired Trea Turner last offseason in a big free-agency deal. They are only a few years removed from signing Bryce Harper to a long-term deal as well. They aren’t shy, and ownership has proven they’re willing to do what it takes to put a winner out on the field.
So their involvement with Yamamoto isn’t so surprising. In fact, it’s downright expected. It’s yet to be seen who will be the favorite for Yamamoto, as many of the big guns are still in on him. But it appears that Philadelphia has tossed their hat into the ring.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022