Now that Shohei Ohtani has landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has become one of the most sought-after free agents left on the market. The Braves do not seem to be contenders in landing the thought to be superstar, but two division rivals are.
The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets seem like two teams most likely to win the Yamamoto sweepstakes. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, Bryce Harper is doing all he can to recruit Yamamoto to the city of brotherly love.
As we reported on @MLBNetwork this morning:
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 18, 2023
Bryce Harper, 2-time NL MVP, spoke with Yoshinobu Yamamoto over FaceTime as part of the Phillies' presentation to him. @MLB
If the Phillies were to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it could be a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves. It is no secret that Philadelphia has been Atlanta’s kryptonite in October as of late and is built to compete for the NL East division title in 2024.
Adding Yamamoto to a rotation that already has Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler is a scary thought. However, if he were to be hypnotized by the dollar signs the New York Mets will most likely put in front of him, the Braves shouldn’t be too concerned.
The Braves would still have to face him numerous times if he is in Queens but the Mets are still rebuilding and will be for at least a couple more seasons regardless of off-season moves they make prior to 2024.
Just a season ago, we saw the Mets add and ultimately trade hall of fame starting pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. One would have to imagine that Yoshinobu Yamamoto would take this into consideration when deciding where he wants to take the mound next year.
As the week continues, look for the stove to heat up regarding Yamamoto. If these rumors are indeed facts, the Philadelphia Phillies have the best chance to sign Yamamoto if winning immediately is a priority but the New York Mets may be willing to shell out more money than anyone else and seem more desirable.