Yamamoto on 4th-biggest Contract in MLB History
MLB newcomer Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed what's tied for the fourth-most lucrative contract in Major League Baseball history
May 8, 2024
Just a week after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese star Shohei Ohtani to the largest contract in MLB history, they made headlines again by signing Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal. This contract makes Yamamoto the highest-paid rookie and pitcher in MLB history.
Yamamoto's $325 million deal made the former Orix Buffaloes star the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.
(Image courtesy of Orixbaseballclub, CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamamoto's contract includes a $50 million signing bonus, all to be paid in 2024, and a somewhat backloaded structure to earn him $155 million over the first six years. He also has two opportunities to opt out of the contract and become a free agent, contingent on the health of his right elbow, with the first chance potentially coming after the 2029 season.
Despite standing at just 178cm, nearly 10cm below the average pitcher's height in MLB, Yamamoto is considered one of the game's most dominant pitchers. He boasts a fastball that averages 153km/h. The Dodgers value his skills, as evidenced by the record-breaking nature of his contract, which establishes him as the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history.
Career Beginnings
Yamamoto burst onto the scene in 2017 with the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, showcasing a stellar 2.35 ERA and an impressive strikeout-walk ratio of 48 to nine. He continued his dominance over the next five seasons, maintaining an ERA below 3.00 each year and clinching the league's prestigious Sawamura award three times, akin to the MLB's Cy Young award. In November, he announced his decision to enter MLB free agency.
Track Record
Yamamoto's stellar performance in 2023 saw him maintain a remarkable 1.16 ERA over 171 innings for the Orix Buffaloes, recording 176 strikeouts with only 28 walks. This marked his third consecutive season with a sub-2.00 ERA. Over his seven seasons with the Buffaloes, Yamamoto boasted an impressive 1.72 ERA, highlighting his consistent excellence on the mound.
Closing his NPB career in style, Yamamoto secured three consecutive Pacific League MVP Awards, joining the ranks of legends like Ichiro Suzuki and submariner Hisashi Yamada, who dominated the league in the '70s.
Additionally, he clinched three consecutive Eiji Sawamura Awards, NPB's equivalent of the MLB's Cy Young Award, a feat achieved only by Masaichi Kaneda in the '50s. Yamamoto led NPB in wins, ERA, and strikeouts for three consecutive years. In September, he threw his second career no-hitter, impressing MLB executives like Brian Cashman of the Yankees.
Given Yamamoto's incredible achievements, it's understandable if NPB's hitters celebrate his departure. His youth and impressive resume make him a strong candidate for a long-term contract extending beyond a decade in MLB.
The Japanese pitcher's impressive performance in the NPB organization has sparked excitement among fans and bettors alike. As Yamamoto prepares to make his mark on the American league, sportsbooks are already buzzing with activity. Bettors looking to capitalize on this excitement can use the BetMGM Bonus Code to access exclusive offers and enhance their MLB betting experience.
Seamless Transition
The Dodgers need not worry about Yamamoto struggling to adjust to the new environment. A strong track record of NPB pitchers successfully transitioning to MLB indicates that Yamamoto is likely to adapt smoothly.
While Ohtani has generated considerable excitement, it remains to be seen if Yamamoto will match his level of hype, excitement, and revenue in MLB. However, considering the league's popularity in Japan and the excitement surrounding players like Ohtani, Yamamoto's move to the American League could further increase the global spotlight on Japanese baseball players.
Final Thoughts
Yamamoto's signing marks a significant addition to the Dodgers' roster and follows the team's monumental offseason, which included signing Ohtani to a record-breaking contract.
There is a possibility that Yamamoto could face challenges, whether due to injury or other factors. However, if such difficulties arise, it should be noted that they are not necessarily predictable. He seems to be as promising and reliable a pitcher as anyone in history who entered MLB without prior experience.
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