The race to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto is evident, the 25-year-old right-hander, who is the top free-agent pitcher on the market now.
The Phillies have made an offer to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, per @MattGelb pic.twitter.com/AIL8CLHaMX
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 21, 2023
As reported, The Phillies are one of many teams that are seeking to pursue the most sought-after free-agent pitcher on the market.
As part of the latest updates, on Wednesday it was reported the Phillies have made an offer to a free-agent, a source confirmed to The Inquirer.
Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote earlier, that while the terms are still unreported, the Phillies are aggressive in their pursuit of the NPB star.
In another report, Matt Gelb of The Athletic also underlined the possibilities of a deal, he wrote that The Phillies have put forth a formal contract offer to Yamamoto.
Yamamoto has been linked to teams such as the Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Blue Jays.
Last week, former general manager and now with The Athletic, Jim Bowden, said the Phillies are a “back-burner” club in signing Yamamoto, now the table might turn. Bowden estimated that Yamamoto could receive a deal between $250-$300 million over anywhere from eight to 12 years.
Even when Bowden predicted The Phillies are the least favorite to sign, the fact stands that the Phillies are still interested in the Japanese phenomenon.
As per the reports, it is unlikely the Phillies will be the highest bidder for Yamamoto, but it remains as aggressive in pursuing Yamamoto, who has until Jan. 4 to reach a deal.
The Phillies reportedly met with Yamamoto last week as part of their presentation, he received a FaceTime from Bryce Harper.
In 2023 Yamamoto went 16-6 with a 1.21 ERA and struck out 169 hitters in 164 innings and the third player to win an MVP award three straight years in the NPB.
