Rumored Red Sox Target Reportedly Set For Massive Pay Day; Could Boston Meet Price?

Would it make sense for the Red Sox to land the star pitcher?

The Boston Red Sox are widely expected to be one of the most active pursuers of Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 

Yamamoto is expected to be posted by the Orix Buffaloes this upcoming offseason and become a free agent. The 25-year-old likely will be one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the open market this upcoming offseason. Boston has been constantly floated as a possible option -- especially with Yamamoto's former teammate Masataka Yoshida on the roster. He's expected to have a large market and reportedly even will receive a contract north of $160 million this offseason, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"There were 29 major-league scouts watching Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throw the second no-hitter of his career last week," Nightengale said. "He should top $160 million on the free-agent market when he’s posted this winter."

Boston has plenty of money to spend, so this possible contract shouldn't be too much for the club. The Red Sox are looking to return to the postseason and will likely make at least one major splash this offseason. Yamamoto would be the perfect person to spend heavily on. He is just 25 years old and has a career 1.75 ERA in seven professional seasons. There's no way to know for sure how we will translate to Major League Baseball, but likely will be extremely successful. 

The Red Sox's biggest need is starting pitching and Yamamoto could be the best free agent starting pitcher this upcoming offseason -- despite likely National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell being available. Yamamoto will sign somewhere, hopefully, it is with Boston.

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