Five realistic suitors for Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Now that the dust has settled on Shohei Ohtani and his record $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, eyes are on top free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As the 25-year-old Japanese ace continues to mull a landing spot, here's a look at what five potential MLB suitors bring to the table:

Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite making one of the biggest splashes in free-agent history, the Dodgers seemingly aren't finished after signing Ohtani. That's because the two-way star will defer $680 million of his contract, per ESPN.com, receiving $2 million annually and thus allowing Los Angeles to further bolster its already-potent team.

Ohtani and Yamamoto would be arguably the best 1-2 pitching punch in MLB and also the greatest combination of Japanese pitchers in big league history. (Following surgery on his right elbow, Ohtani is not expected to pitch again until 2025.)

The Japanese duo already has experience together dominating against MLB hitters. They both pitched for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic last spring.

The Dodgers have already made Ohtani an integral part of their pursuit for Yamamoto, as the 29-year-old was present for his new team's presentation to the free agent. 

New York Yankees

As one of the most storied franchises in the world, the Yankees can offer Yamamoto a chance to be part of a globally recognized brand. The 25-year-old has also reportedly expressed interest in pitching in the spotlight of a big city, making New York a perfect destination.

On the heels of a disappointing 82-80 season, the Yankees have thrust themselves back into World Series contention by trading for star outfielder Juan Soto. If Yamamoto joins New York, he'll be part of a team loaded with star power.

New York Mets

Though the Mets don't have as talented a roster as the Yankees, they do beat out their crosstown rivals in one category: money.

Since Steve Cohen bought the Mets in 2020, New York has routinely ranked as one of the highest bidders in free agency. Just last season, the billionaire owner assembled the most expensive team ever ($353.5 million Opening Day payroll). If the Yamamoto sweepstakes comes down to a bidding war, the Mets could blow past the competition with an incredibly high offer.  

The Mets are keen on adding another star pitcher from Nippon Professional Baseball after rookie Kodai Senga emerged as the team's ace last season. Yamamoto reportedly has an open mind about pitching alongside Japanese stars after playing in the World Baseball Classic.    

San Francisco Giants

When it comes to landing the biggest fish in free agency, the Giants have struggled mightily. After losing out on Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and Ohtani, San Francisco could look to finally secure a massive star in Yamamoto.

The Giants are clearly willing to spend big to acquire Yamamoto, with president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi saying San Francisco's final offer to Ohtani was "very comparable if not identical" to the deal he signed with the Dodgers.

If the Giants are desperate enough to break the stigma that they can't land a big star, they may offer Yamamoto the most money.  

Boston Red Sox 

The Red Sox have been quiet about their pursuit of Yamamoto but could sneak in at the last moment. 

Boston was similarly tight-lipped last offseason before it signed outfielder Masataka Yoshida, who's friends with Yamamoto, his former Orix Buffaloes teammate. With a glaring need for pitching at the front end of the rotation, the Red Sox could spend big to compete with other big-market teams.