Yankees lose the bidding war for Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Dodgers

admin | December 22, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again, less than two weeks after signing megastar Shohei Ohtani.

It hurt less for Yankees fans because they were never truly involved in the Ohtani discussions because he didn’t appear very interested in coming to New York.

But what about Yoshinobu Yamamoto? The role sparked reciprocal intrigue, and the Yankees made no secret of their desire for the three-time defending NPB MVP. This season, general manager Brian Cashman was even present at the ace’s no-hitter. The Yankees were clearly going to be in the mix after Yamamoto was posted.

The conflict has ended. Yamamoto will not pitch in Queens, but he will not pitch in the Bronx either. The Yankees were defeated, and Yamamoto was signed by the Dodgers. The initial word came from YES Network’s Jack Curry, and Jon Heyman confirmed the death knell.

JackCurryYES: Hearing Yamamoto will sign with the Dodgers for more than $300 million.

Jon Heyman: Yamamoto goes to Dodgers

According to Jeff Passan, Yamamoto has agreed to a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, setting a new record for a rookie MLB player. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, New York topped out at ten years and $300 million, though the Mets matched the Dodgers’ offer. If that’s the case, it’s a shame the Yankees weren’t willing to make the best offer available (yes, years do matter).

The Yankees desperately needed a pitcher like Yamamoto to help out the Cy Young Award winner in the rotation. The offense was the key reason for their 82-win season, yet the only player other than Cole to make more than 20 starts was the mediocre Clarke Schmidt. Carlos Rodón, a free agency addition, was injured, 2022 All-Star Nestor Cortes was ineffectual and injured, and Luis Severino crumbled in his Bronx farewell.

Yamamoto will not provide a response. They’ll have to pick up the pieces and look for other ways to help Cole in 2024. Juan Soto was also a much-needed addition, but even if the lineup improves, they need more guys to pitch with their depth weakened as a result of the transaction to acquire him. We’ll simply have to wait and watch how the Yankees react.