Dodgers Rumors: MLB Executives Believe Free-Agent Pitching Target Will Land In New York This Offseason

This would be a big blow to the Dodgers.

One of the better pitchers available on the free agent market is Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the Dodgers have shown major interest in him this offseason. He is expected to be posted on Monday, and teams can then start the negotiating process with his representatives.

He would give LA an ace-level pitcher for their starting rotation, and he would instantly bolster the pitching staff. LA needs to sign at least one frontline guy, and Yamamoto fits the bill and more.

Yamamoto is only 25 years old, so there is plenty of time for him to grow with whatever team lands him. He is also generally seen by many as the best pitcher to come out of Japan, which is why so many teams will be vying for his services.

He reportedly prefers to end up in a big market, which gives the Dodgers some hope. But MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that some MLB executives are predicting that Yamamoto will end up with one of the two New York teams

“Yamamoto, unlike Shohei Ohtani, clamors to pitch in a large market, two executes say, predicting that he will pitch for the Yankees or Mets.”

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today

Losing out on Yamamoto would be a big blow to the Dodgers, and they would then have to pivot elsewhere to find starting pitching help. The team is expected to be aggressive in landing pitching this offseason, and Yamamoto remains one of the biggest targets for them.

LA has been hesitant to shell out large contracts to free-agent pitchers, and we could see that happen again here. Yamamoto is expected to receive a massive contract, possibly upwards of $200 million, a number that the Dodgers likely won't entertain. 

It remains to be seen where Yamamoto will ultimately sign, but the Dodgers are lurking. Given their history with Japanese free agents, LA remains a solid option.