Baltimore Orioles Sustain Substantial Blow in Pursuit of Yamamoto

The Baltimore Orioles may have received a huge blow in their quest to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Kade Kistner | Nov 23, 2023

Baltimore Orioles Sustain Substantial Blow in Pursuit of Yamamoto /

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Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are likely in on the pursuit of Japanese superstar ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, just like the majority of MLB teams.

The Orioles could use some additional help in their rotation after losing Kyle Gibson in free agency. They will need to find innings somewhere.

Yamamoto could be the answer, but he is highly coveted and teams will have to separate themselves somehow. As far as contenders go, Baltimore is right up there with the best and most promising of them after winning 101 games in 2023.

Geographically, the Orioles are fine as Yamamoto's agent said geography isn't a factor in a recent article in Japanese that was translated to English.

"He has no geographic preferences and wants to play anywhere.''

What will be seen as a blow to Baltimore is the fact that they currently roster exactly zero Japanese players.

"He wants to play with Japanese players... He is different from previous Japanese players," said Yamamoto's agent.

If the Orioles wish to pursue Yamamoto with any real conviction, they may have to go out and sign a Japanese player in free agency or look at adding one that was just posted by the NPB.

Either way, Yamamoto would be a game-changer for whichever team signs him. The Orioles would be wise to make a huge push for the superstar if they hope to maintain dominance in the American League East.

Published Nov 23, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.