The holidays are fast approaching, but there’s still time for Major League Baseball teams to make some noise. Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the best remaining free agent on the market, while there are notable names on the trade market. If so, the rumors will continue to flow like water for a few more days.
Dodgers weighing big offer for Yamamoto
The Dodgers already landed a big free agent this winter, signing Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year deal worth $700 million. (That deal included historic deferrals that would greatly reduce his current net worth.) They acquired one of the top players on the trade market in right-hander Tyler Glasnow.
Andrew Friedman and company may not be shopping at the top of the market, however, as the Dodgers are reportedly preparing a big offer for the aforementioned Yamamoto. Here’s what Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday night:
The team is also believed to be considering a $250 million to $300 million bid for Yamamoto, according to a person familiar with the plans who was not authorized to speak publicly, a sign of its intent to compete with another free agent to lure other bigs. Market rivals such as the Mets and New York Yankees.
The exact level of the bid for Yamamoto is unclear, but multiple league sources have indicated to CBS Sports in recent weeks that he expects to net a contract worth more than $300 million. Even if that proves too tempting, he’s sure to eclipse Masahiro Tanaka’s record ($155 million) for the largest contract ever signed by a Japanese pitcher.
Red Sox, Giants still in the running for Yamamoto
Speaking of Yamamoto, the Red Sox are “still in the mix,” According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffery and Chad Jennings. Giants are also believed to be on the hunt. I met him last week in San Francisco, again according to The Athletic. Both teams have a clear need for a front-of-the-rotation starter.
The Dodgers, Mets and Yankees are believed to be Yamamoto’s leads throughout the process. Let’s see if it stays that way as the end draws closer. Yamamoto has until January 4 to sign.
Burns is unlikely to sign an extension
If right-hander Corbin Burns is traded from the Brewers this offseason, don’t expect him to develop like Tyler Glasnow and rejoin his new team anytime soon. Instead, Burns made it clear when he appeared in foul territory He really respects the idea of free agency.
“It absolutely has to be something that motivates you to take you away from testing the free agent market and choosing where you want to go,” Burns said. “That’s one thing every player wants to have in their career. Once you get that six years of service time — a lot of guys have seven, eight, sometimes nine years — you get that opportunity. Test the market and see what your top dollar is.”
Brewer’s Hass signature
Speaking of the Brewers, they announced Wednesday that they have signed veteran catcher Eric Haas to a one-year contract. He split between the Tigers and Guardians last season, posting a 45 OPS+ in 293 outings. Haas previously enjoyed a successful two-year run in which he produced a 108 OPS+ with the Tigers through 2021-22. Earlier this winter, the Brewers lost Victor Caratini to the Astros. Haas should take his spot as William Contreras’ No. 2.
