The Yankees May Have Just Vastly Improved the Dodgers Chances of Signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Off-season drama at its finest!

One of the biggest free agents on the market this offseason is Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The star pitcher is expected to be posted from his team in Japan soon and then can begin negotiating with MLB clubs.

Yamamoto is considered by some as the best pitcher to come from Japan, and teams will be lining up to try and land him. He is only 25 years old as well, making it a much safer bet that he should be able to grow long-term in the league.

It has been reported that he prefers to play in a big market, which gives advantages to teams like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Along with these three teams, the San Francisco Giants are seen as some of the favorites for him.

But recently some drama with slugger Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees may complicate things in their pursuit of Yamamoto. Stanton has often been injured during his time in New York, and Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman gave his thoughts on the matter, which were out of pocket.

Stanton’s agent Joel Wolfe, who is also the agent of Yamamoto, went back at Cashman, and the Yankees may no longer be a viable destination for the Japanese pitcher. This would take a major player out of the bidding and possibly help the Dodgers.

Giancarlo Stanton’s agent, Joel Wolfe, responds below to Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying of Stanton, “He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game.” pic.twitter.com/gZHlqy4cfY

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 14, 2023

It remains unknown if this would take the Mets out of the equation as well, but Wolfe didn't mention the Yankees, just the city of New York. He could very well advise Yamamoto to avoid the city entirely, which could heavily benefit the Dodgers.

This is going to be something to watch as the offseason continues, but the Dodgers have to be looking at this with a grin. It's unfortunate that it came to this, but if it lands Yamamoto in Dodger Blue, then they will take it.