Yoshinobu Yamamoto on playing in the United States: ‘I don't have a geographical preference and want to play anywhere’
Japanese free agent Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the prized starters available this winter. Teams are lining up for the opportunity to land the 25-year-old with the hopes he’ll lead their rotation for the next five to eight seasons, depending on the length of his future contract.
Yamamoto’s agent Joel Wolfe of the Wasserman Group spoke with Yahoo! Japan and said 10-15 teams have shown interest in his client.
"He wants to play with Japanese players" said Wolfe to Yahoo! Japan.
That aligns with the report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal back in October. Yamamoto enjoyed his experience in the World Baseball Classic and being around fellow stars have helped influence his thinking.
Yamamoto wowed fans and teams during the World Baseball Classic in March, he continued to dominate during the regular season in Japan. Yamamoto’s value has skyrocketed to the point teams around the league, including the Red Sox view him as a No. 1 or No. 2 type starter.
Besides the Red Sox, the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, Cardinals, Giants and Cubs will all be involved in the pursuit to land Yamamoto. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman thinks there’s a possibility that the Dodgers sign both Shohei Ohtani and Yamamoto in free agency.
Wolfe also said that Yamamoto does not plan to attend the Winter Meetings in Nashville but expects to sign once they conclude.
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