Japanese Team’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto Makes Waves: Will Red Sox Pursue Him?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto posted by Japanese team; Will Red Sox be in the mix? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is one of the premier starting pitchers in the MLB free agency market this offseason, and the competition for his talents will kick off soon.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Yamamoto has been posted by his Japanese team. The window to sign him will open on Tuesday at 8 a.m. ET and close 45 days later on January 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.

The 25-year-old right-hander had an impressive record of 16-6 with a 1.21 ERA and 169 strikeouts over 164 innings for the Orix Buffaloes in 2023. He has dominated professional baseball in Japan for several seasons.

Speculation is mounting about whether the Boston Red Sox will pursue Yamamoto.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post included the Red Sox in a list of teams interested in acquiring an elite starter this offseason.

The Red Sox are aiming to strengthen their roster this winter, with their primary need being an ace for the starting rotation. Despite the multitude of weaknesses, a reliable No. 1 starter is essential for a playoff-contending team. Given Yamamoto’s age of 25, offering him a long-term contract carries less risk compared to an older free agent.

Last season, Boston’s starters ranked 22nd in ERA, 27th in innings pitched, 17th in WHIP, 17th in strikeouts, and 19th in batting average against.

Using outfielder Masataka Yoshida to attract Yamamoto to Boston would be a smart move for the Red Sox due to their close relationship.

“We’re close to each other,” Yoshida told the Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo in September. “We’ve played (together) for a long time.”

If the Red Sox are unable to secure Yamamoto, they might consider other top starters on the market such as Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, and Jordan Montgomery.