You can add the Los Angeles Dodgers to the list of powerhouse clubs that plan to make a Japanese free agent not named Shohei Ohtani one of their top priorities in free agency this winter.
This is going to be another big offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The organization was shockingly swept out of the National League Division Series this month by rivals the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was their second straight year without advancing in the playoffs and again came after a 100+ win season.
Last offseason, the Dodgers were a bit more conservative and did not shell out big bucks in free agency and or make bold trades like some expected after a 111-win season ended in an NLDS elimination. After a second-straight early ouster that approach is not expected to continue this winter.
For months there has been a great deal of speculation that the Dodgers will be major players in the Shohei Ohtani market. And there is a belief that the reason why they were conservative last winter was so they could stockpile the massive sums of money that will be required to sign the Japanese superstar.
Los Angeles Dodgers to make Yoshinobu Yamamoto a top priority this winter
However, it looks like LA is one of many teams that has developed a serious interest in the top international player in this year’s market. On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed the rumors that the Dodgers are hot for ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
“Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 25, is high on the Dodgers’ wish list, along with the New York Yankees and Mets,” Nightengale wrote.
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Yamamoto has been one of the most talked about players ahead of MLB free agency this winter and it is understandable why.
He has been outstanding during his short career in Japan. He’s won Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League MVP award and what is their equivalent to the Cy Young award. Over his seven-year career in his homeland, he is 70-29, with a 1.72 ERA, and has averaged just over nine strikeouts to just two walks every nine innings.