Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers cemented an incredible offseason for the club, which already secured the services of two-way star Shohei Ohtani. While Yamamoto ultimately chose the Dodgers’ 12-year, $325 million offer, which includes potential opt-outs after years six and eight, at least two other finalists made strong efforts to sign the right-handed starter.
Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets gave Yamamoto offers that rivaled the Dodgers’ package, according to reports.
The Yankees offered a smaller total value but a higher average salary—$300 million over 10 years with a potential opt-out after year five—according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Yamamoto would’ve made $150 million in the first half of that contract, more than he will make in the first five years of his new Los Angeles contract, and he could have opted out sooner to potentially earn more on his second deal.
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The Mets’ offer to Yamamoto was also $325 million over 12 years, just like the Dodgers’ offer, but with an opt-out after the fifth year, according to SNY’s Andy Martino. The signing team also is responsible for a $46.875 million posting fee to Yamamoto’s previous team in Japan, the Orix Buffaloes.
However, the 25-year-old Yamamoto reportedly wanted a second opt-out, which he got from the Dodgers. He also got a $50 million signing bonus from Los Angeles.
