Giants Pursue Yoshinobu Yamamoto with $200M Contract Minimum, Report Says – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The San Francisco Giants are making a major splash in the MLB free-agent market. Reports indicate that the Giants are ready to fork out significant funds to acquire top talent this winter.

The team is eyeing two prominent Japanese players, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Although the cost to secure Ohtani’s services is uncertain, MLB teams have an idea of what it may take to sign Yamamoto.

Initial estimations suggested Yamamoto could command a $200 million contract. However, a recent report from ESPN revealed that officials pursuing Yamamoto believe the previously speculated amount might now be the minimum in negotiations. Some suggest his contract could exceed $250 million, in addition to a posting fee of $39.38 million to the Orix Buffaloes, his current team.

Several teams vying for Yamamoto include the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox. The Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies are also in contention. With a notable career in NPB, Yamamoto’s free agency coincides with an impressive record and multiple awards, making him a coveted prospect.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, Yamamoto is expected to commence in-person meetings with interested clubs after the MLB Winter Meetings conclude on December 7. The anticipated outcome of these discussions could give insight into Yamamoto’s future and his value on the open market.

The Giants’ pursuit of top talent is captured in the Giants Talk Podcast. Don’t miss out on the latest as events unfold in the MLB off-season.