As the free agency deadlines emerge, so does the excitement surrounding the final choices in the 2023 offseason market. And Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the topmost prospect at present and the most in-demand MLB rookie, isn’t having it any different. However, it seems like a certain team is making additional moves to secure the ace in their dugout.

In a recent Twitter (X) video posted by an LA Dodgers fan, it was hinted that our favorite Boys in Blue might be a few steps ahead in trying to clinch Yamamoto. What is it that has been keeping fans around the world on the edge of their seats ever since it was released?

A glorious Yoshinobu Yamamoto adorns the Dodgers skyline

In an X video posted by Dodgers Nation, a fan was seen visiting the LA ballpark. In what looked like an almost empty gallery, there were a few screens around displaying an interesting message besides a picture of Yoshinobu Yamamoto donning a Blue Crew jersey.

The message read, “Welcome to the Dodgers Stadium, Yoshinobu Yamamoto 18.” It was displayed across two different screens, in both English and Japanese. The 18 indicates Yamamoto’s jersey number for his NPB team, the Orix Buffaloes.

Their Shohei Ohtani signing may have been a blockbuster one but Los Angeles will have to wait until 2025 to see Ohtani on the mound. Perhaps this is why the Dodgers have been rather insistent on securing the star pitcher in recent days. According to MLB insider Russell Dorsey, the ace reportedly met with the team just yesterday morning.

Does the new show of enthusiasm imply a gimmick to get the ace to choose the Blue Crew? Or are the Dodgers well on their way to finalizing their second massive deal of this year, after recently acquiring the topmost free-agency prospect this month?

Ohtani’s deal may set precedent for Dodgers

In the biggest deal American sports history has ever seen, Shohei Ohtani’s signing proves the clubhouse’s ability to work around massive deals. It’s crucial considering that Yoshi has been predicted to receive a minimum of $300 million contract for nine years. With Ohtani’s deferral in play, the club will have more than enough revenue in the future to keep Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their bullpen for the long term.

Read More: Will the Yankees Follow in the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Footsteps, With Juan Soto’s Free Agency Next Year?

If the team can clinch the Japanese ace, it will further solidify their base to clinch a World Series berth next season. Do you think that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is all set to become the newest Dodgers treasure? Let us know your views in the comments below!

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