Yoshinobu Yamamoto Free Agency Update: Insider narrows down 3 teams most likely to sign Japanese pitcher

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's free agency situation is probably unique. Not easily do elite pitchers declare free agency this early in their careers. But as per insider knowledge, the battle for the Japanese star could come down to a team's willingness to spend.

Playing for the Orix Buffaloes in the Nippon Professional League, Yoshinobu Yamamoto had a 75-30 record with an ERA of 1.72 and a 986/216 K/BB ratio. He has been the recipient of the Sawamura Award (the Japanese Cy Young) thrice already in his short career.

Quite justifiably, there has been significant interest from top MLB clubs to acquire his services. But when a Japanese star is posted to the MLB, a significant amount of money is also paid to the franchise that lets go of its player.

Considering his prowess, he is expected to receive offers above $200 million at least.

For contracts ranging up to $25 million, a flat 20% posting fee is charged. If the contract value goes up to $50 million then apart from the 20% on the first $25 million, an additional 17.5% is charged on every dollar exceeding $25 million. For contracts above $50 million, the same fees plus an additional 17.5% on each dollar above $50 million are charged.

As per Bob Nightingale, only big-money clubs like the New York Yankees, New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers can sign Yamamoto.

“I think it’s down to the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets. I have a hard time believing it’ll be anyone else," Nightengale said. [11:35 onwards]

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All three teams require a credible starter like Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The Yankees, Mets and Dodgers are all in need of credible starters. The Mets are in a phase of rebuild and after spending a record sum this past season they may look to ease off on the spending.

This will leave the Yankees and the Dodgers, whose pitching staff has been marred with injuries, and free agencies to sign the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto.