LA Dodgers reportedly eyeing NPB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto despite signing Shohei Ohtani to MASSIVE $700 million deal

The LA Dodgers have set their sights on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and are willing to commit over $1 billion dollar after acquiring Shohei Ohtani.

LA Dodgers reportedly eyeing NPB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto despite signing Shohei Ohtani to MASSIVE $700 million deal

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (L) and Shohei Ohtani (R) [Pic Credit: AP/Imago]

After landing one of the biggest stars in baseball history, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not done yet. The National League side shocked the sporting world when they signed Shohei Ohtani for a historic $700 million deal. They are now eyeing another big name and Ohtani’s compatriot, Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

While Ohtani dominated the proceedings this season in MLB, Yamamoto stole the show in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The Japanese southpaw claimed his third straight MVP award while becoming unplayable to the opposition hitters. He is now likely to be on his way to the MLB and the Dodgers are one team that are exploring the option.

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As per reports from MLB insider Jon Heyman, the team still has its sights set on the Japanese international. Signing him could see the Dodgers commit over $1 billion dollars on two players. The right-handed pitcher is expected to cost the teams around $300 million.

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The other two teams that are expected to compete for the signing of him are the two New York teams. While the New York Mets had an underwhelming season, they are expected to go heavy in the market again. On the other hand, the New York Yankees are trying to strengthen their squad following the acquirement of Juan Soto from the trade with the San Diego Padres.

NY Mets meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Japan

As the winter meetings begin in MLB, the talks of player movement have advanced. After a torrid season last time out, the NY Mets are hoping to overcome that season and once again fight for the title. In perhaps trying to gain an early advantage, the representatives of NY Mets flew to Japan and met with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

As per reports from the New York Post, Mets owner Steve Cohen and new team president David Stearns flew to Japan and met with the player and his family. The team last season signed Kodai Senga, who went on to finish second in the National League Rookie of the Year award. They are now hoping to add another Japanese talent to their roster.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Image via San Diego Union-Tribune)

As per Stearns, the meeting was great, and informed their (team’s) future plans to Yamamoto. He later acknowledged that it is a big decision for the agents and they deserved to have all the information before taking any steps.

It was a great meeting [with Yamamoto]. I try to look at it as providing information about who we are as an organization and what we want to do and become. This is a big decision for any free agent, where to sign, and they deserve to have all the information.
David Stearns on meeting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto through NY Post.

If the Mets are able to land him and beat out the Yankees and the Dodgers, this could be a big win for them. Last season, their two veteran pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer both failed to make the subsequent impact desired for them and were traded in August, leaving the team with two less starting pitchers.

The team has already acquired Luis Severino as one starting pitcher. The next few days could be crucial for the Yamamoto deal as teams try to acquire his signature for the upcoming seasons.

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