The Winter of 2023 is expected to be a special one, with the free agency of Shohei Ohtani stirring up a lot of buzz. But as the Ohtani matter has settled down, another Japanese name is getting a lot of attention – Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Orix Buffaloes. The New York Yankees, the Mets, the San Francisco Giants, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are all reportedly interested in signing the ace.
Yamamoto has been one of the most consistent pitchers in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) over the past few years. He has a career record of 97 wins and 62 losses, with an impressive 1.93 ERA. He has also led the Buffaloes to the Japan Series twice in the past five years, winning the championship once in 2018.
For the Yankees, Yamamoto could be a great addition to their already star-studded pitching staff. He has the ability to be a reliable starter and a powerful closer, and his experience in the NPB could be invaluable. However, there are four alarm bells that indicate why signing Yamamoto may not be a wise move for the Yankees.
First, Yamamoto is not as young as many of the other free agents on the market. At 31 years old, he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. While he has been successful in the NPB, there is no telling how his skills will translate to the MLB. He may not have the same velocity or command of the strike zone that he had in Japan.
Second, Yamamoto’s contract demands are high. He is reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth $50 million, which is a steep price for a pitcher of his age and experience. The Yankees already have a number of high-priced players on their roster, and adding Yamamoto could put them over the luxury tax threshold.
Third, there is the risk of injury. Yamamoto has had a number of injuries over the past few seasons, including elbow and shoulder issues. He has also had to undergo two Tommy John surgeries. The Yankees may not be willing to take the risk of investing in a player who could be hampered by injury.
Finally, the Yankees may not be able to guarantee Yamamoto a spot in the starting rotation. The team already has a number of star pitchers, including Gerrit Cole, Masahiro Tanaka, and James Paxton. Yamamoto may not be able to break into the rotation, and he may have to settle for a spot in the bullpen.
For the Yankees, signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto may not be the best move. While he could be a valuable asset to the team, the risks of injury, his age, and his contract demands may be too great for the Yankees to take. It is likely that the team will look elsewhere for a pitcher to add to their already star-studded roster.
