Insider Evaluates Red Sox’s Odds in the Race to Land Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Japanese Ace!

Determining the Boston Red Sox’s standing in the pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto is challenging due to conflicting reports.

The Red Sox are in contention for the sought-after Japanese starting pitcher, but they face stiff competition from multiple teams. Securing the 25-year-old right-hander’s presence in a Red Sox uniform for the upcoming season will require outperforming other contenders. According to MLB writer Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox are not considered the frontrunners to sign Yamamoto before the January 4 posting deadline. Heyman suggests that the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best odds of acquiring Yamamoto and slotting him as a frontline starter in their rotations.

Ranking the Red Sox’s chances, Heyman places them fifth, behind the Yankees, Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. Despite this, Heyman doesn’t rule out Boston entirely, acknowledging their pressing need for starting pitching. He points out that although they lost out on Seth Lugo, it doesn’t preclude them from succeeding in a larger competition.

Reports indicate that the Red Sox have already submitted a substantial bid for Yamamoto, with a potential contract in the ballpark of $300 million, as noted by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Boston, under the guidance of chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, has yet to make a significant move this offseason, primarily focusing on minor roster adjustments.

While facing strong competition from other teams, if the Red Sox manage to overcome the odds and secure Yamamoto’s services, they would claim one of the most coveted pitching acquisitions of the offseason.