December 15, 2023
While it is not believed that the Phillies are favorites in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes, the team seems to be in the mix — which is all you can ask for if you're a Phillies fan.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is meeting with a Phillies contingent today
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2023
After re-signing Aaron Nola a few weeks ago, things have gotten quiet for Dave Dombrowski and company as the rest of the league has made splash after splash. Shohei Ohtani signed for $700 million with the Dodgers, who also traded for Tyler Glasnow, Juan Soto was sent from the Padres to the Yankees, and a few other under the radar deals were also consummated in the time since the end of the Winter Meetings.
The Phillies are expected to do something else, whether it's adding a top of the bullpen arm (Josh Hader remains available), some outfield help or a bench piece. But according to Heyman's recent report, perhaps they're also still looking to add a top line starter to the rotation.
Yamamoto is just 25 and is seeking somewhere in the $300 million area. He has won basically every award you can win as a pitcher in Japan, and is by far the best starter out there. He's expected to sign soon.
Other teams interested — and thought to be the leaders for his services — are the usual suspects in the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets. A decision should be made sometime this month.
Follow Evan on Twitter:@evan_macy
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports
