The Dodgers reached their big target in December 2023, signing Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract.
However, Yamamoto’s contract is very different from the one Ohtani signed with the Dodgers.
Ohtani’s moves made this signing possible, and they now pair him with one of the best pitchers in the world.
Perks in Yamamoto Dodgers contract: personal trainer; physical therapist, interpreter; 4 business class RT airline tickets ($8,500 max per RT) per year; 1 premium economy RT airline ticket to LA for use by family per year; best efforts to make Japanese food available.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2024
Here’s a breakdown of Yamamoto’s reported contract with the Dodgers:
• Yamamoto will receive a $50 million signing fee
• No deferrals
• Two opt-outs in the deal, after the 2029 and 2031 seasons
The opt outs for Yamamoto are after the 2029 and 2031 seasons, as @Ken_Rosenthal reported.
The Dodgers were not going to give an opt out any earlier in his 12-year contract considering the $50 million signing bonus and $50 million posting fee.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2023
In addition to what the Dodgers will pay Yamamoto, they will also pay the Orix Buffalos $50.6 million in free agency. Yamamoto’s contract with the Dodgers makes history.
The contract is the largest guaranteed deal for a pitcher in MLB history, surpassing the one Gerrit Cole signed with the New York Yankees a few years ago.
It’s also the biggest deal for a pitcher in years.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto's deal includes a pair of opt-outs, sources tell ESPN.
Here are more details on the contract, which is pending a physical: 12 years, $325 million (which includes a $50 million signing bonus), no deferred money, an additional $50.6 million posting fee to Orix.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2023
He will now be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come, and the Dodgers have landed their ace.
Dodgers’ 2023 NLDS:
Game 1: Injured Clayton Kershaw
Game 2: Rookie Bobby Miller
Game 3: Lance LynnPotential 2024 Postseason:
Game 1: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Game 2: Tyler Glasnow
Game 3: Walker Buehler
Game 4: Bobby MillerAn incredible turnaround from LA fixing their No. 1 issue
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 22, 2023
The 12-year, $325 million contract between the Dodgers and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto contains two opt-out clauses, and the Associated Press reports that the timing of those clauses depends on Yamamoto’s health.
Specifically, the outputs are attached to Yamamoto’s elbow.
If Yamamoto had Tommy John surgery between 2024 and 2029 or was on the disabled list for at least 134 consecutive days due to a right elbow injury, the report said, Yamamoto could opt out of the deal only after the World Cup Series in 2031 or 2033.
If he avoids Tommy John surgery and a 134-day stint on the disabled list, the exit would take place after 2029 and 2031.
An elbow injury could delay his release from opt outs for up to two years. Yamamoto will be 31 after the 2029 season and, on top of that, will have the final six years of his $170 million contract with Los Angeles.
Yamamoto does not have a no-trade clause, but an exit clause would benefit him on a long-term deal if he loses his contract or simply decides to change his style.
With so many elbow injuries leading to Tommy John surgeries these days, seeing a long-term deal like this makes it even more difficult going forward.
Tyler Glasnow, who was recently traded to the Rays, also recently underwent Tommy John surgery.
Yamamoto has never had the procedure, but it’s understandable that the Dodgers would put some stipulations in his contract regarding the possibility of a future injury.
Fans reacted as follows:
30k worth of airline tickets on a $300M contract is a perk?? Okay…
— Izenears (@IzenEars) January 4, 2024
$350m and he can’t buy his own airline tickets?!?!?
— Ciro (@Ciro_EsQ) January 4, 2024
Maybe I’m being naive here, but couldn’t all of those perks been afforded with the amount of money he’s making in his contract?
— Cove Chatter (@CoveChatter) January 4, 2024
Imagine making over $27mil a year and still asking for—and getting—free personal airfare…but then also having to settle for some extra leg room and a free checked bag for ONE of your parents 🤣🤣
Meanwhile, Jung Hoo Lee is giving the Giants Community Fund half a mil.
— Chris (@ChrisSaysThis) January 4, 2024
LA is making smart decisions this off season. Yamamoto contract is back loaded. If he opt out after year 6 or 8, he will be giving up a ton of money. Genius business by LA front office. This after signing Ohtani who differ just about all his contract
— LG 🇹🇹🇦🇬🇻🇮💜💛 (@GeorgeLarrence) December 22, 2023
Perks in Yamamoto Dodgers contract: personal trainer; physical therapist, interpreter; 4 business class RT airline tickets ($8,500 max per RT) per year; 1 premium economy RT airline ticket to LA for use by family per year; best efforts to make Japanese food available.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2024
If you don't hate Ohtani as a non dodgers fan now, and if you're a Yankee or met's fan, or even MLB fan, something's wrong with you. For me, I've always hated him, anyone who slights me, I'm done with them. Except for Ken Griffey Jr. he's just misguided, lol
— Matt Gaetz Press Release (kidding) (@MattGaetzPress) December 22, 2023
The Dodgers front office after acquiring Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
— Rami Hanna (@WhoElseButRami) December 22, 2023
MLB should consider implementing a salary cap and ceasing the use of deferred contracts, as these agreements do not promote fair competition. The Dodgers, for example, have been able to accumulate a multitude of top-tier players while deferring substantial remuneration, which may…
— Faisal Yousaf (@faisal7y) December 22, 2023
And you feel spending a ton of money is how to win a championship that’s how it’s done? I have news for you. The Dodgers have always had the best farm system in Baseball and they always built from within. This extreme spending is disgusting.
— Gary Baumgarten (@GaryBaumgarten7) December 22, 2023
Except that Glasnow’s postseason ERA is nearly 6 and then this…Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s last 3 postseason starts in Japan:
4.0 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 4 K
7.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 9 K
5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 6 K
— CoachCQues (@CoachQues) December 22, 2023
INCREDIBLE NOAH! That’s what you can do when you have a billion freaking dollars to shell out. Congrats in advance on a decade of tainted dominance.
— Dodgers Bought Ohtani, Told You So Last Summer (@draftAmerica) December 22, 2023
