Japanese Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto's Move to MLB Market Expected; Mets Seen as Likely Suitors

Yamamoto's move to MLB follows Orix Buffaloes' agreement to transfer; commanding a potential seven-year deal over $200 million, other teams including the Cardinals showing interest amidst Mets' lead.

• Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is moving to the Majors from Nippon Professional Baseball. The New York Mets are seen as the favored team to sign him, according to various MLB executives.
• Yamamoto has a stellar record, owning a 1.44 ERA with more than five times as many strikeouts (580) as walks (110) across 550 2/3 innings in Japan, and is considered the No. 2 free agent in this year's class.
• The St. Louis Cardinals are another team reported to show interest in acquiring Yamamoto. The Cardinals' special assistant to the general manager, Matt Slater, has a long-standing connection to Yamamoto's team, the Orix Buffaloes, as a consultant.
• Yamamoto played his final game in NPB striking out 14 and not issuing a walk in a complete-game against the Hanshin Tigers in the Japan Series, which is seen equivalent to the World Series.
• While many teams have been linked to Yamamoto, the Mets have shown a particularly high interest, especially given the success of their recent signing of another Japanese player, Kodai Senga, who had an impressive performance in his first season.

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