Despite giving Shohei Ohtani the richest contract in North American sports history, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly still pursuing top free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
On Saturday afternoon, the biggest free agent chase in MLB history came to a close when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani agreed to a mammoth 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers. The signing changes not only the landscape of the National League but also makes LA the favorite to win the 2024 World Series.
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The organization could call it an offseason right there and just aim for smaller moves to round out a roster that won 100 games or more for the third straight season and another NL West title. However, it seems that they are far from done in turning the team into an unstoppable force in 2024.
Los Angeles Dodgers shockingly still in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Heading into the offseason, upgrading the starting staff was a priority for the Dodgers and Ohtani won’t do that next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery for a second time in October. The team is still expected to add some arms for 2024 and despite adding a huge contract to their payroll already this week they could add a second massive deal in the coming days.
On Saturday night, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that “the Dodgers are still interested in and can still afford Yoshinobu Yamamoto.” The 25-year-old Japanese ace is the most sought-after pitcher on this year’s market and recent reports have suggested he could land a contract for as much as $300 million.
Heyman did note that the Ohtani signing could have an effect on their pursuit, and among the many teams chasing the five-time Nippon Professional Baseball MVP the Dodgers have the third-best chances of signing him behind the New York Mets and Yankees.