The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly had two top players and new superstar Shohei Ohtani take part in their Tuesday pitch to Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
This past weekend, the Dodgers made the biggest splash in MLB free agency ever when they inked two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to an unbelievable 10-year, $700 million contract. The contract is the biggest in North American sports history, but more importantly, it’s filled with deferrals that allow the organization to sign another top free agent this month.
Related: Shohei Ohtanis wild contract may reveal MLB favors Los Angeles Dodgers success
The player they now have their crosshairs set on is Ohtani’s World Baseball Classic teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Japanese ace is a three-time Nippon Professional Baseball MVP and is the most sought-after talent on the market right now due to being so impressive at just 25 years old.
Yesterday it was reported that the Dodgers were set to meet with the young star as they try to add the second-biggest name on the free agent market to their roster for 2024. With the meeting now in the books and rumors beginning to swirl, a new report from The Athletic revealed how the organization tried to persuade Yamamoto to make Los Angeles his new home.
Shohei Ohtani was involved with Los Angeles Dodgers’ Tuesday pitch to Yoshinobu Yamamoto
MLB insiders Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal reported on Wednesday that both Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were a part of the group that welcomed Yamamoto and his representation to Dodgers Stadium. Betts is reportedly one of the young pitcher’s favorite players in MLB, so getting to speak with him was likely a notable thrill for Yamamoto.
However, just days after putting pen to paper on his contract, Los Angeles also reportedly had their newest superstar, Shohei Ohtani, as a part of the group pitching the benefits of joining the Dodgers franchise on Tuesday.
“The pitch to Yamamoto was, on its face, straightforward. As the free agent entered the ballpark, video displays depicting his name and likeness in a Dodgers uniform flashed on the scoreboard … For at least a few hours on Tuesday, the Dodgers’ push involved some star power.”
– The Athletic
The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets are all considered serious contenders for Yamamoto’s service this month.
