When Bryce Harper FaceTime’s you, you pick up the call.
It’s all part of the recruiting tactic Harper is utilizing to bring Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on Monday that part of the presentation for Yamamoto as he met with the Phillies was a phone call from the seven-time All-Star.
It’s part of a long process for Yoshi, who is believed to land the biggest contract of a free-agent pitcher this offseason. He very well could sign a $300-million deal. And the Phillies, who don’t truly need starting pitching are still looking at the star.
The New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants are all reportedly some of the main teams who have met with Yoshi.
This also isn’t the first time Harper has been part of the recruitment process.
Before shortstop Trea Turner signed an 11-year, $300 million deal with the Phillies, Harper had been eyeing his free agency for years. He would tease his former Washington Nationals teammate about looking good in a Phillies uniform. Harper ultimately said he didn’t have to do much convincing. The city of Philadelphia did it for him.
Perhaps that’ll be the case for Yoshi as well.
Across seven seasons with Nippon Professional Baseball, the 25-year-old boasted a 1.72 ERA tallying 986 strikeouts in 967 and 2/3 innings. In 2023 alone he possessed an 0.88 WHIP in 23 starts for the Orix Buffaloes. Scouting reports have noted his aptitude, power, feel, and the deceptive way he pitches.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.