The Phillies have put forth a formal contract offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, writes Matt Gelb of the Athletic. While terms are unreported, Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote earlier in the week the club was planning to be aggressive in its pursuit of the NPB star.
It’s notable, if unsurprising, that the Phillies have put an official proposal on the table. Nevertheless, both Gelb and Coffey suggest it’s unlikely the Phillies’ offer will be the highest that Yamamoto receives. Gelb adds that team officials are uncertain how much interest the pitcher has in Philadelphia.
That all aligns with earlier reporting casting the Phils as a relative long shot among the seven known finalists: the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays and Red Sox being the others. Yamamoto didn’t stop in Philadelphia as part of his North American tour, instead meeting with club personnel in Los Angeles.
Of course, the starting point for most free agents is financial. If the Phillies’ offer does wind up below the top bids, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign elsewhere. Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily need a starting pitcher. A front five of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sánchez is strong. Prospect Mick Abel could pitch his way into the midseason mix. Even if there’s no question the group would be improved by adding NPB’s best pitcher, other clubs could feel more urgency to top the market.
The Dodgers are reportedly weighing an offer that’d land somewhere between $250MM and $300MM. SNY’s Andy Martino said last night that the Mets were putting together “a very serious offer” of their own. Most or all of the seven clubs with which the 25-year-old has met recently are likely to submit an offer this week.
Yamamoto has until the evening of January 4 to sign. He isn’t expected to wait that long. There has been speculation he could decide by the end of the week, although that’s not guaranteed. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman tweeted this evening that while one executive involved in the bidding expected Yamamoto to sign before Christmas, another suggested he could deliberate until just before the end of the year.
There is no way Steve Cohen won’t top a Philly offer by 2 years and $70mm.
Let’s stop pretending the Phillies are even a option for Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Kinda my point
We all know the only team outside of New York that even has a chance are the Dodgers. But there’s that report that suggests he doesn’t want to play with Ohtani. So that may help either the Mets or your Yankees Captain.
Dodgers are out. Giants are the wildcard. Yankee money likely wins.
What about the Rockies offer?
$18.67 and hour plus FREE can fare.
Poor Rockies. Great venue, great city, great fan support. Ownership willing to spend, but will only spend in stupid ways.
I thought the Mets were not going to be in on free agents? That they were taking a step back in 2024? Isn’t that what Scherzer said?
Yes, be careful with the Mets their always laying in the weeds somewhere.
They’re not going all-in on 2024. Yamamoto is a special case who fits into longterm plans.
Sunny socal with your Japanese Buddy or cold dreary Philadelphia or NY.
I think the choice is pretty easy for Yamamoto
I agree Shadow, he will clearly pick NY!
can top it all he wants but if its wins he wants the Mets are NOT an option. When was your last WS again? Hahaha YEAH ITS BEEN AWHILE!
You sound intelligent. Schools already out for winter recess?
And there is no way that a player with a desire to win would sign with the Nets over Philly right now. Their rosters are light years apart from a talent standpoint.
C JT> Alvarez 1B Harper>Alonso, 2B Stott>?? 3B Bohm>Baty/Vientos SS Turner=Lindor LF Marsh>McNeil CF Nimmo>Rojas RF Castellanos>?? DH Schwarber>?? SP 1-5 all better, and BP as well, other than Diaz, of he comes back healthy and as good as he was in 22
1 MILLION YEARS 400 DOLLARS PER!
I defer to you on that one.
Any of that deferred?
No only the good for nothing Dodgers do those Bobby Bonilla type of contracts now, when players retire and get paid till their 90 years of age.
I wonder if these deferred payout contracts have inflation clauses or if it can be converted to being paid with gold bars if the dollar is devalued.
I read this at first as “1 year, 400 mil” lol
1 dollar for 400 million years.
You got to shoot your shot. Nice job, Middleton. Unlikely, but whatever.
At least the Phillies got a seat at the table this time. Hopefully it sets them up as a player for future japanese stars…..?
I remember the LF for the Red Sox Yoshida wanted to play w/ Harper. And he sent over a bunch of swag…..so that’s something.
I’m not a Phillies fan, but pitching in that stadium would give any pitcher goosebumps. It’s a very impressive place to host post season baseball. I still can’t figure out how they didn’t make it to the World Series.
@Troutahni Phillies outscored Arizona 31-22, I think. They definitely looked like the better team.
Exactly. The whole pitch isn’t just for Yamamoto. It’s to try to establish Philadelphia as a legitimate landing spot for Japanese players. I don’t think Yamamoto will choose Philly over LA or NY, but showing they’re serious means something.
You’d surely pick Philly over the Mets, maybe the Yankees, but it’s hard to see them over the Dodgers.
I suppose it all depends on whether Yamamoto sees $320m as significantly different than $300m.
This seems largely smoke and mirrors. There’s a ton of Anti-Asian discrimination in Philadelphia. The rapid gentrification of china town doesn’t necessarily bode well for their case in pulling players from the pan-Asian market.
This is such a dumb comment, rooted in complete fiction. There’s discrimination everywhere. NY, Philly and LA.
you dont live anywhere near the city then lol. Remove you bias and open your eyes. This is an issue well before covid.
Open a history book idosteriods. Anti- Asian sentiment has been rampant all along the west coast since the 1870s.
And history should tell you he’s not signing with the sillies. Once the 76ers build that new downtown arena and commandeer a chuck of Chinatown’s real estate….circle back to this convo.
I have lived in Philadelphia my whole life. The gentrification of Chinatown so that the 76ers can build their stadium/ 76ers place to liven up Center City is a blessing. Have you ever walked through Chinatown -particularly after dark? It smells like death, and is filthy. Dumpsters filled with unused food just tossed in them everywhere and rats everywhere down there at night. I worked in the Convention Center for 15+ years, and Chinatown is probably the biggest eye+ nose sore in this city, and I grew up in Fishtown/ Kensington/ Port Richmond/Mayfair(which is a real war zone now, but was like a suburb in the 80s-90s. I’ve spent plenty of time in North Philly+ South Philly as well- and Chinatown is far and away the most disgusting part of Philly.
@Idosteroids Examples, please.
I believe his quote translates that I don’t want to play on a little league field.
Yankee stadium…
Yeah i would’nt wanna play at Yankee Stadium either and on top of the little league stadium they have little league fans. Oh how far thou has fallen!
I’m getting a sinking feeling he’s gonna take less to go to the fodgers.
Or the Yankees, which seems to be his preference with all things equal, if his statements are truthful about playing on the biggest and brightest stage.
The Yankees are yesterday’s news. The Dodgers have the biggest and brightest stage.
As “stages” go, I suppose Broadway is bigger than Hollywood.
As for bright lights, “The City that Never Sleeps” or “Tinseltown”?
The ‘City of Dreams” or “La-La Land”?
“The Big Apple” or “The Big Orange”?
The “Concrete Jungle” or “Shakeytown”?
“Gotham” or “The City of Angels”?
All things being equal financially, Yamamoto’s comfort level and desire to win will determine his city of preference. LA would seem to have an advantage over NYC with its stable weather from late March thru November, Shohei Ohtani on its roster, a larger Japanese population and its higher winning percentage, division titles and annual postseason appearances.
Best not forget the Mets also reside in NYC, not just the Yankees!
.
Yes agreed, it doesn’t get any better then being a Yankee & playing at the biggest stage in baseball: Yankee Stadium.
these days it does dude, playing for any winning team is better then not, regardless of the size of their stage
Only Yankee fans think this. Playing in LA means just as much if not more.
Yes, winning 82 or getting tossed in the wild card round—the brightest stage of all.
Clip – If reports are correct and he wants to be “the main man”, would he be okay in the shadow of Cole and Judge or Ohtani and Mookie?
That’s one reason why I think the Sox could appeal to him, they have no major team leading star. Devers certainly ain’t that guy.
@99CJ99, what great show has been played out at NEW Yankee stadium in recent memory? Remember 2009 was 14 years ago and YY likely doesn’t remember it much as he was an 11 year old living in Japan. The lights haven’t been so bright or on so long in recent times. At least not long enough for Yoshinobu to think of it as the biggest and brightest stage.
Yankee Stadium 3 is crap.
They tried way too hard to replicate Yankee Stadium 2, which had numerous flaws, as great and fun as it was.
The new one could have been a beautiful retro-style urban tribute to the original 1923 Yankee Stadium… instead it’s a 1980s style dump with luxury suites.
What a shame.
FPG: Yeah, that’s certainly an interesting wrinkle to consider: will he be okay being #2 on his team or does he truly want to be #1?
Honestly (and I’ve said this before) I have him going to the Yankees purely based on my fandom. I don’t think any of the big-money teams would surprise me though (Philly, Boston, LAD, NYM, NYY, SFG).
@JohnCena’sJorts Wouldn’t you?
Zaidi should do whatever to land this one. It boosts the Giants rotation in a major way PLUS the Dodgers don’t get him.
I just don’t see it, but maybe that’s my cynicism at the FO’s inability to sign the big fish. I think the Giants have a much better shot of signing Snell tbh between him having played under Melvin before, playing in the NL west for the past few seasons and on top of it to entice the Giants his numbers against the Dodgers are really good lifetime.
Just decide already, first it was Ohtani holding up everything, now it’s Yamamoto, come on
Off-season just began lol
There’s only 9 weeks to spring training!
He will be a Dodger. Only question is how much and how long.
The Dodgers are pretty much out of it. They are offering less money while he keeps visiting both New York teams. It’s New York one way or another.
who says the dodgers made their final offer. don’t jump to conclusions with friedman.
Steve Cohen did.
@padam No one in their right mind, with choices, would sign for a decade on the Cohen clown show.
His 2021 alone was more of a fiasco than most franchises have experienced over their entire lifetimes.
That is what we thought with Ohtani. How did that work out? The Dodgers raised their bid at the last minute and crushed our hopes. Can’t count them out until the contract is signed.
Ohtani wanted the West coast. Wasn’t a secret. NY teams didn’t even bother. He needed to leverage Toronto.
330 , 10 years, Giants
He didn’t even take an in person meeting with them.
Yes he did.
Giants officials met with the coveted free agent at Oracle Park last week and they were “assured” that “they will be given every consideration” by Yamamoto as he decides where he’s going to sign, The Athletic’s Andrew Baggarly reported.
They’ve been talking to him and his agent for over two years.
Let’s face it nobody really wants to play or sign with the Giants. Unless they pay Yoshinobu Yamamoto $400 million for 10 years to be a teammate with Arson Judge. (Definitely a possibility)
@99CaptainJudge99 – Interesting take. I’d be curious to understand your reasoning for it.
I don’t see the SF Giants as an undesirable destination for players, though Posey hinted at concerns about safety and reputation being something which might create some issues. I think it’d probably be fair to say SF isn’t a prime destination at the moment rather than describe it in terms you’ve used.
Nope Tier
Oakland
Pittsburgh
Miami
Rather Not Tier
Cincinatti
Baltimore
Cleveland
Kansas City
Okay Tier.
Rockies
Milwaukee
Minnesota
Chicago White Sox
Chicago Cubs
Arizona
Detroit
Los Angeles Angels
San Diego
St. Louis
Tampa Bay
Washington
Good tier.
New York Mets
Atlanta
Boston
Houston
Seattle
Texas
San Francisco
Philadelphia
Toronto
Excited Tier
New York Yankees
Los Angeles Dodgers
That could do it, bring it up another 30 mill
Interesting development. The Phillies are the last big market franchise to not have a Japanese or Korean star play for their franchise. Outside of half a year of So Taguchi & Tadahito Iguchi in the mid 2000s, they’ve had zero. And their top asian prospect, Ho Yu Lee, was traded to Detroit at the deadline for Michael Lorenzen.
The only way the Phillies have a shot is if they offer a lot of money and Yamamoto wants the label of being the first Japanese starter for the Phillies. The Dodgers are Ohtani’s team, he’ll always be the #2 in terms of Japanese talent there. The Mets offer familiarity with Senga but they likely aren’t contending this year. And the Yanks and Red Sox are who they are, so they’ll have a chance on just reputation alone.
The Phillies were also one of the last clubs to establish an academy in Latin America as they were slow on scouting that region for a while. Same with Asia. I think it’s interesting because it’s unlikely they sign him. But they’ll have some money coming off the books in the next 1-2 years. And if they’re in the market for Yamamoto, they’ll definitely be in the market for Sasaki when he gets posted. It’ll be curious if he forces his way through posting next year. So, the Phillies will probably be a major player for him if Yamamoto likely signs with one of the LA or NY teams.
It’s crazy that the Phillies only had 2 Japanese players, and they were on the roster at the same time. They did help the Phillies to end a significant playoff drought though.
Yeah, well, the Philly area has a growing Asian population but it’s fairly small compared to Boston & NY. And the Phillies have been a “loser” franchise for a long time. Until the failed Klentak rebuild, I never suffered through the bad years like other fans have described. The Phillies team I first got to know as a young fan was the Abreu/Thome/Lieberthal/Wolf team then the golden age after that. They don’t have the cache other clubs have.
I was also told by older fans that up until Ed Wade was hired. The club was a very “old boys” club, they loved drafting and developing the all-American, country boy ball player. And the ownership was cheap and didn’t want to invest in Latin talent. It’s crazy that the Rays fielded a team in the 08 WS against the Phillies that included a Japanese 2nd baseman but one of the oldest franchises in the sport, in the biggest 1 team TV market in the US can’t.
Tad and So missed each other by 1 year. Tadahito was 07 and So was 08. And both weren’t meant to be added. They got Tadahito cause John Lannon broke Utley’s hand on a pitch and the White Sox were moving anything that wasn’t nailed down. And So in 08 was a throw in with the Cardinals trade and they needed a 5th outfielder. I guess that coolest thing for him is that I think So ended up getting a ring in 08. But even the 2 Japanese players they had play for them were mid season stopgaps and not part of some larger plan.
Iguchi was reacquired by the Phillies in September 2008 and both Iguchi and Taguchi started for the Phillies on September 28, 2008. Taguchi went 3-5, Iguchi went 2-5.
Yes, that was my fault in my ignorance. I initially began to speak of Japanese players (which they only had 2) and then I changed my wording to Asian players. I screwed up there. But my point is the same in that the Phillies haven’t been willing to invest money in a foreign Asian free agent. If they gave Kodai Senga the money they gave Walker, maybe they win the WS this past year? But most of these guys you mentioned were replacement level or below replacement level during times when the club was pinching pennies. Emergency trade acquisitions (Iguchi) or bench guys. Also, all of these guys already played in the majors before signing with the Phillies. They haven’t invested in Asian players without ML experience like the other big markets or the White Sox have with Cuban FAs.
Jumps
Chan Ho Park just gave you the finger.
Just kidding, but Chan Ho Park was a Philly in 2009.
Yeah, that was my bad missing CHP. Part of my point initially was that the Phillies don’t spend on asian free agents like other clubs or like how the White Sox do with Cuban players. Chan Ho Park was an Asian pitcher that just happened to have a lot of years of MLB experience. So it made sense for them to sign him. Plus the Phillies had a growing payroll at the time and needed cheap, experienced pitching which he fit what they were looking for at the time.
Also, not for nothing Taguchi signed in the offseason he was on the roster (and postseason roster) all of 2008.
The Phils have only had 2 Japanese players, but also had Bruce Chen (Chinese), Chan Ho Park and Hyun-soo Kim (Korean).
Bruce Chen is actually from Panama.
They have a few Asian players in their minors system too, I believe.
Roki Sasaki will be a really interesting market. In part, his contract will depend on how Yamamoto performs this year. Moreover, he has {arguably} better stuff than Yamamoto, but has had durability issues. So, in a way, higher potential rewards but at a much higher risk.
Yes, I think I needed to clarify my comments meaning they don’t invest major league money into Asian free agents that don’t have ML experience. All of the Asian players that played on the Phillies were signed originally by other clubs and had a major league resume before being brought in.
I think the offer is just more symbolic. It was a blessing for northeast teams that the Wilpons owned the Mets and wouldn’t spend money. It took a major player out of the FA markets that teams like the Dodgers, Sox, Yankees, & Phillies would be playing in. And the same goes for Asian players. The Phillies possibly being a factor in future years adds more competition. And their owner is similar to Cohen in where he’ll spend money to win but also to spite. I just think it’ll add a new ripple to future winters when Japanese or Korean all-stars become available.
Jumps: Yeah, and I believe….Fuld(?) made it clear that they intended to invest resources heavily into the Asian market for the future.
No doubt that Philly entering in that market provides some serious competition with any other top-market team, and despite the lackluster playoff finish last season, they are certainly good enough to make the playoffs and go on another run. Plus, DD is very aggressive, very good at compiling competitive postseason rosters (imho), and has some star players to lean on to draw in talent (Harper, for example).
Man, I really am disliking this thread compression (and inability to reply) because it screws up my view of comments & responses. Hopefully they’ll get this fixed soon.
Yeah, these threads are so tough to follow now, I’m just winging it at this point.
The real key for the Phillies so far has been Preston Mattingly. Hiring him from the Padres really seemed to change the culture. The Phillies scouting and minor league development system was completely overhauled (which Mattingly was in charge of with Fuld & DD overseeing it). It’s night & day now. The 2013 rebuild was put in the hands of guys that worked for organizations known for their failure to develop prospects (angels and pre-Erik Bedard trade Orioles) and when they hired new guys that helped build the recent farms for the Dodgers and Padres, their drafting, scouting, & development all improved.
Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh are signs of what they could do with advanced prospects and how slight changes helped them turn the corner. And then how guys like Andrew Painter were performing. It’s unfortunate he went down with TJS, as he was getting Verlander comps and was near untouchable in the minors before surgery. Hopefully he regains form.
I know the NPB is below the MLB in terms of overall talent. But some guys are stars no matter where they play and I think Yamamoto is one of those guys. Some team will be really lucky to get him. My AL team has always been Seattle, so I’ve seen Japanese play for them but it’s nice to see by boyhood team actually be serious about a Japanese FA for once.
Philly is not for everyone. Who was the last Japanese player to play there Taguchi? Harper seems to like it so good for him but I don’t see this happening.
A big Phillies home game I think is the closest you’ll get to a rivalry game in the NPB. Clubs over there and their fans are also very intense. As I said in another post, the Phillies were one of the last teams to take Latin American scouting serious. Tampa Bay had a functioning DR academy before the Phillies and they Phillies are over 100 years older than TB. The same is likely with Asian players too. If Tampa, Pittsburgh, & St. Louis can sign Asian free agents, so can Philly. They just choose not to.
I am a Cardinals fan they have signed a few Asian free agents but I don’t think it necessarily is somewhere they would choose all things being equal. I got So Taguchis autograph he signed it in Kanji it is very cool.
Philly is different. It’s just a different place.
I am sure they will sign someone again but Yamamoto? He can play anywhere he wants.
Lars Nootbar is campaigning heavily with both Yamamoto and the Cardinals to sign Yamamoto. Yamamoto and Nootbar—- along with their mothers are best of friends. Both have been telling the Yamamoto’s he’d play as the #1 Ace—— playing in front of 3 million Mid-West Fans a season!!!
If I were Yamamoto—— along with all of the extra incentives—- That would sure turn my head!!!!
Jumps —Somehow you’ve forgotten that the Giants have the fourth largest Japanese population as a percentage of population than San Jose 5th and Los Angeles 6th.. Honolulu, Sacramento and Seattle are #1, #2, #3.
Joel, I get what you’re saying. Just 2 quick points:
1. About Philly being “different”, I don’t think it’s any less difficult than New York or Boston. If anything it may be more forgiving than those towns. In NY you have to compete with another baseball team, 2 football teams, 2 hockey teams, and the Knicks. And listening to NY sports radio, 98% of the time they only talk about you if you stink. Boston has the same intensity but it’s not a secret that in multiple sports that non-white players have had issues with playing there and their fans. It’s not all fans of course but Boston has that come up more often the other cities. And SF and LA are great places and have great fans. But I’ve never heard of fans being shot or stabbed in the parking lot at Phillies games unlike SF & LA. My point is there’s warts for most big cities if you look hard enough.
2. Yeah, there’s probably less than a 1% chance they sign Yamamoto. It’s all about what the offer represents. The Phillies haven’t signed a major league asian free agent. They haven’t even been in serious talks in years past. If they invested the money they gave Taijuan Walker into Kodai Senga last year and convinced him to go to Philly. Maybe they make it to the WS last year or even win it. And with Senga, maybe they’d have a better chance at signing Yamamoto. Just like with Cohen buying the Mets. There’s a sleeping giant, a bit market club, that has not been willing to spend the money where it’s needed. For the NYM, it was everywhere, where the Phillies haven’t played around in the International Free Agent Market like the NY, LA, & CHI teams have. As I said in another post, it probably signals that the Phillies are going to be competition for guys like Roki Sasaki and other bigger Asian names in future winters.
Yes New York and Philly are very similar. But I can’t think of a single reason someone would choose Philly over New York. Not one.
I am not sure Philly is going to keep acting like a big market team for years to come. There is this assumption by fans that when payroll keeps going up and up and up that it will continue. I don’t necessarily think that will happen.
Pete’s View – I meant that Philly is the largest 1 team baseball market in the US. It’s a bigger TV market than SF, Boston, etc. only NYC, Chicago, & LA are bigger. But they have the smallest Asian population of the large market clubs and all of the CA teams with maybe Oakland (while they’re still there) maybe being the lone exception.
The only thing Philly can offer is being the first Asian born star on of the biggest teams in baseball. Eventually a FA will want that and sign there. Then it’s a matter of if they stick. While I’m biased, I’ve been lucky enough to attend a lot of events in North American sport. A WS game in Philly in 2022, I had never been in such an electric and intense environment for a single game. I’d say the Final Four is close and maybe something like Wrestlemania (if you count that as a sport).
Also, I don’t know how much Yamamoto cares about this, but Philly technically finished the highest of the 7 bidding teams over the last 2 post seasons. If winning is his main priority, you can make the argument that the Phillies are poised to do so. I get that the Dodgers and Yankees are in the picture too. So Philly is a tough sell.
It’s all about the cabbage, Joel. If how decent the city were the factor in players signing deals, then Pittsburgh would be a dynasty.
The Dodgers will double the offer.
The Dodgers are already way under other offers. The dodgers are done.
Considering the offers of 300m were denied. How do you know they are way under other offers?
He doesn’t. He’s just willing Yamamoto to the Mets.
Hopefully in the final phase
Does Yamamoto like cheesesteaks? Anyway, I get the feeling that Cohen will blow every other offer out of the water, just because that’s the way he is. He loves to spend money on his team, even if they lose.
He does like cheesesteaks, but without onions. He just left my house where we were discussing his preferred meals and where in NYC he will go to eat once he officially signs with the Yanks.
Idk, he could but it will cost him a ton of money with paying 110% tax on the salary.
Guess these next couple of years we shall see if he spends to win still or dials it back some. He brought in a guy who is use to winning while not spending all that much.
Lol lets give yamamoto the ohtani contract!!! Wth
Bet you he’s using the Phillies offer to drive the price up.
I don’t think he’s signing with Philly, but he’s not using anyone to drive his price up. It’s already up. Dude is about to become the highest paid (non-DH) pitcher ever, and he hadn’t thrown an MLB pitch ever. I understand we’re all excited about where he’s going to sign, but this is a major risk. I know Japanese talent has translated rather well in the MLB, but there’s a lot of pressure on this young man.
No doubt there’s pressure but if he were to “fail” he would probably go down as the biggest prospect bust of all time. Scouting and developing has improved over time. He’s regarded as the best pure pitching prospect to come over ever. Better than Nomo, Tanaka, Matsuzaka. While there’s some risk, he probably still has a high floor. His stuff is twice as good as Kodai Senga’s. If he stays healthy and adjusts to the states well, he should be a #1 or a #2 on a WS contender.
On that note, Von, there’s a lot of pressure for him to perform well wherever he goes. His contract is going to impact Japanese/NPB players’ contracts for years to come. If he flames out in MLB, it could have severe financial ramifications for any other pitcher coming over from Japan.
Yeah this contract is going to be enormous. I think its going to be far far more than most think. Senga wasn’t as good in Japan and he was a Cy Young contender for the Mets last year. Yamamoto could legitimately be the best pitcher in baseball in 2024.
Lately it has but they have had their share of flops like every other nationality. MLB is trying way to hard in pushing the Japanese players over here for marketing purposes, but that too can have a negative impact on a team where a player who is being touted as high as Moto has been. With Ohtani teams had a pretty good sample size of his ability, Yamamoto not even close. So buyer needs to be weary.
It’s hard to find a flop in recent years tbh.
Drive the price up Dave!!!!
So they can pay more for the next pitcher they sign too? Driving the price up just increases the prices on everyone.
The next pitcher the Phillies sign will likely be Zack Wheeler and I don’t think he’s going to be using Yamamoto as a comparable for his contract.
Seems to me that Yamamoto wouldn’t be a good comparable for Wheeler though. He’s much, much younger, doesn’t have an injury history, and doesn’t have the statistical fluctuations that Wheeler has.
Perhaps Nola would be the better comparison? Or maybe even Rodon?
These updates are helpful so you know where he’s trying to get leverage from in order to get the best deal possible from the Dodgers. I wonder if they’ll look to trade more young pitchers with Yama, Ohtani, Glasnow in place for 2025 and beyond.
Crickets at the Cubs front office. Not even talk about making an offer at the very least…
I really think the Cubs will get Chapman and then a top end starter. Are the Cubs considering bringing back Stroman? Him and Chapman would be a really go0d start to their offseason.
Ugh, not excited about Chapman but if it’s between him and more Patrick Wisdom I’ll take Chapman. Stroman is good, but Cubbies needed a power pitcher, or even someone like Jordan Montgomery. Would rather have Hoskins over Chapman. Not sure if Bellinger comes back at this point.
Rickett’s Crickets! This Cubs fan gonna get me some extra Vitamin D and bug spray before heading to Wrigley nest season.
He has the same last name as a Japanese admiral who commanded a freet that surprise arracked Pearl Harbor. He was reluctant to do it knowing USs industrial capability having lived in US. But were forced to do it by more politically powerful Japanese army.
Ahh someone who knows his history!! He also commented after the attack on Pearl Harbor something to the effect of awakening a sleeping giant. Unfortunately that giant has gone back to sleep!!
Battleship Yamamoto
Yamamoto’s plane was shot down over Bougainville where my dad was stationed. They decoded messages and knew he’d be flying there. To my knowledge, my dad wasn’t involved, but he was MIS and G2, so who knows for sure? He sure as heck didn’t talk about it, none of those guys did. Plus, it was classified for a long time.
History of the Americans on Bougainville is fascinating. The Marines had Navajo code talkers there, the Army had Nisei language corps interpreters, lots of highly secret activity that the Japanese didn’t know very much about.
Anyway, back to baseball. The plot thickens.
Yamamoto does not equal Yamato.
My grandfather was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. It’s a shame how far we’ve fallen from that generation’s patriotism.
Thankfully, there are still men and women willing to serve our country and fight to protect us. Thank God for the US military personnel.
Merry Christmas guys!
Clip, I met a guy who was there, too. We were jamming together up in New Hampshire, playing old timey tunes. He told me he grabbed an airplane bullet off the floor of his barracks and put it in his pocket. It was still hot! Gave me chills. God bless your grandfather. And all who serve. Salute!
Yankee Clipper
My grandfather was stationed at Pearl Harbor
=========================
I visited Pearl Harbor when I visited Hawaii. It was 10x better than I anticipated. One of the best stories was the guy petitioning Congress to be interred in the Arizona (IIRC). Once he got approved, a Whole slew of other shipmates made the same petition. It’s a big thing now, and shows you the loyalty these people have to one another.
Some months later Yamamoto was killed when his plane was shot down while on an inspection/morale tour. US intelligence intercepted coded messages about his trip and send a hit squad of P-38s to take him out.
Anyway….back to baseball. Just when you think you know what’s gonna happen, Dave Dombrowski, in his P-38, swoops in a nabs a Yamamoto. LOL!
Phillies if/when they are told thanks for the time, but no thanks, I’ll be ok.
At least they are setting the table as a player for Sasaki in a couple yrs or maybe Imanaga this year? At least get involved with that Fuginami lefty guy out there…
Either way, they MUST enter this arena
I bet the Rangers would’ve been involved in trying to sign him if it weren’t for their TV contract situation and broadcasting right. I’m not even sure they’ll sign Montgomery even though I think they should.
Seems like this guy is not getting the offers he expected and he’s taking forever to try and leverage his way into the $$$ he wants
He really could end up the highest paid pitcher in mlb aside from ohtani or cole.
DeGrom makes $37MM AAV. Both Max and JV make more and JV could re-up with the Astros for $35MM in ’25. I think YY ends up with $33MM AAV with opt-outs.
Making offers is interesting but not as much as “showing interest”. Pretty much early end of news cycle is thrilling but gets progressively less interesting until the dreaded “…..signs with..” announcement. Showing interest wins championships. Give the people more Jon Heyman reports!!!
Your article about the Dodgers said they were considering offering $250 million, not between $250 and $300 million.
My cousin knows a guy that says he’s definitely signing with the Phillies.
Is he tracking his plane flights? Morosi should be tweeting then.
Let’s just not talk about a plane with no wings to fly and no wheels to land.
Yeah, it’s the same plane Ohtani used to fly to the Toronto signing…
400 mil ?
1 billion dollars *puts pinky to mouth
Austin Hedges, international man of low on-base percentage
Austin Adams, international man of walks and hit-by-pitches
A more strenuous season, a bigger baseball, no tackiness, sure why not pay through the nose for a literal walking scratch off ticket and see if it is a winner.
Why exactly does the Japanese league get 40m from the team just for posting him to MLB?
Because they clothed and fed him during his NPB tenure. They gotta be reimbursed with interest..
Damn, 40m for clothes and food for one person. I’d love to be that guy
I think if you want him you have to go 400 million plus
He will top Ohtani’s contract.
Hader and Whitfield
Enough with the milk tactics already. Pick a team and move on. Let the Yanks or Dodgers have him already. What is enough? Greedy players.
Don’t stop believing.
I mean … if Charlie from Willy Wonka found the golden ticket. Lol
I wonder how endorsement deal negotiations play into these decisions, if at all. If he’s also negotiating contracts with Nike, Adidas (throwing out random companies here) will which market he ends up in impact that? Along those same lines, how much does the ability of a player to get more endorsement money in larger markets (LA, NY…) impact parity?
Yamamoto is going to look good in Philly pinstripes.
Yamamoto pitches with a fluid motion, and of course the Phillies have done their due diligence on him, but I still wonder about the 1k innings on his arm going back to age 18, especially considering he’s about the same size as Tim Lincecum (who ironically was pretty cooked after 1k innings.)
He’s used to pitching about once a week in NPB, which is actually a selling point for Philly with their six-man rotation last season.
When FA started he was predicted to maybe get 200 mil on the high side. Now, it’s 300 mil.
I thought inflation was under control!
Maybe 300 mil is the new 200 mil?
My guess is that DD is driving up the price for Cohen.
I’m tired of hearing about this guy already I just wish he would choose a team. I can’t wait for him to be a bust for whichever large market team over pays him.
Aww. You sound nice. Happy Holidays!
I remember Al the Phillies fans screaming when they took the series lead then what happened next
If he stays healthy, Yamamoto will become a franchise player and conceivably worth every penny of his contract. The Phils have always been a longshot to acquire him, but who knows? Maybe he really digs the Phanatic and appreciates guys like Harper trying to recruit him. So, as the Zen Master says, “we’ll see.” If the Phils don’t acquire him and the Dodgers do, the Phils world series aspirations will have been dealt a crushing blow. This is complicated by the fact the Braves, Mets, and Marlins should be stronger teams this year. So, if the Phils don’t sign Yamamoto, they are right back to being an also-ran in the NL. Resigning Nola does nothing to change the team’s makeup. The 2024 Phils are fundamentally the same as Version 2023, minus an established closer. Of course, there still is time for the Phils to add a dependable closer, another starter, and a badly needed right-handed slugger. Without these additions, the Phils will have to once again rely on the Phanatic, Philly media hype, and dollar dog night to fill the stands at Citizens Bank Park. But then again, there’s always the chance Yamamoto has a thing for Philly hot dogs, and considers that more important than an additional $100 million. So, we’ll see.
Friar Men/Phillies, NLCS: 2024. (Second time in three years).
Whoever gets him just know that he doesn’t have overpowering stuff. He’s like a Maddux type
Enjoy paying 1000 bucks a ticket LA