The New York Yankees have reportedly made a “very substantial” offer to coveted free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
YES Network analyst Jack Curry reported on Thursday’s Yankees Hot Stove that the Yankees feel confident that intangibles beyond money will help convince the Japanese star to sign with New York.
But the money will certainly help.
“The Yankees have had their eye on Yamamoto for a long time. … we can surmise with the amount of interest that the Yankees have had, that they have made a very substantial offer to him,” Curry said. “When you look at the fact the (San Francisco) Giants … are reportedly out in their ability to sign Yamamoto. This incremental movement is telling you that he is inching closer to a decision.”
Curry did not specify an amount for the Yankees’ offer. The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly offered up to $300 million.
The race to land Yamamoto is reportedly down to the Yankees, Dodgers and New York Mets. Curry said the Yankees are confident in their presentation.
“The Yankees have felt strongly about their position at all times, they feel they made a great presentation to him talking about his legacy in New York and how he can be a star on the marquee for a brand global name in the Yankees,” Curry said.
The 25-year-old Yamamoto’s expected financial windfall is unprecedented for a player who has never thrown an MLB pitch. He has a 1.72 ERA in seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Many Yankees fans like the team’s chances.
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About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.