Massive Spending Spree Continues
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves in the world of baseball with their unprecedented spending spree in free agency. In their latest move, they have signed Yoshinobu, a teammate of theirs in the World Baseball Classic, to a staggering $700 million contract. This deal is now the largest in North American sports history, solidifying the Dodgers’ reputation as big spenders.
Breaking Records Left and Right
Yoshinobu’s contract is not only the largest ever given to a pitcher in baseball history, surpassing Gerrit Cole’s $324 million pact from 2019, but it also shatters the record for the largest deal ever given to a Japanese import. The previous record, held by Masahiro Tanaka, was more than doubled with Yoshinobu’s colossal contract.
A Fierce Bidding War
The Dodgers were not the only team vying for Yoshinobu’s services. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets were also in the final bidding, making it a fierce competition. However, neither team’s offers, with the Yankees reportedly offering $300 million, were enough to sway Yoshinobu away from the Dodgers. The allure of playing alongside the likes of Walker Buehler and Tyler Glasnow in the Dodgers’ rotation was simply too enticing.
A Pitcher with an Impressive Track Record
Yoshinobu’s performance on the field speaks for itself. In his seven seasons in Japan, he has maintained an impressive 1.72 ERA. This year, with the Orix Buffaloes, he achieved an outstanding 1.21 ERA. In a pivotal Game 6 of the Japan Series, Yoshinobu showcased his dominance by throwing 138 pitches and striking out 14 batters in a resounding 5-1 victory.
Yoshinobu possesses a powerful fastball that averages at 95 mph and can reach speeds of 99 mph. With his arsenal of four pitches and exceptional control, he boasts an impressive 4.56 K/BB ratio.
The Dodgers’ Billion-Dollar Commitment
With Yoshinobu’s record-breaking contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers have now committed to over $1 billion worth of contracts this offseason. This demonstrates their unwavering dedication to building a championship-caliber team and solidifying their position as one of the most formidable teams in Major League Baseball.