Yoshinobu Yamamoto is about to set Major League Baseball ablaze. With the Triple Crown-winning Japanese ace expected to enter the market after a string of strong performances in NPB, the league wants its hands on the amazing 25-year-old. Even as an MLB rookie, an insider predicts his contract to be in the vicinity of $200 million. Given Yamamoto’s mind-blowing stats, is it any wonder big teams are going after him in earnest?

Both New York teams have their own connection to the Japanese ace are are considered strong contenders in the race to sign him. Deep-pocketed and in desperate need of a good bullpen, the Big Apple is likely going to be in close competition with the rest of the country.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s free agency will be a highly competitive affair 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto can become available to all 30 MLB clubs as early as Monday, Jon Heyman believes. The New York Post writer recently posted his analysis of the pitcher’s free agency. Estimating a figure of around $200 million, his 3-time Triple Crown champion, a Japan League winner, a two-time Pacific League MVP, and a five-time NPB All-Star speak for themselves. With an astounding career ERA of 1.82, Yamamoto is only 25.

Most teams are already finding different ways to lure Yamamoto to their side. The Boston Red Sox are hoping that his ex-teammate can convince him to join them. While the New York Mets ace Kodai Senga has made it clear to his team that he’d love to have Yamamoto in his bullpen. Even the New York Yankees are in the race even after Brian Cashman’s controversy. The Bronx club can push the bidding quite high as it believes Yamamoto could be as successful as Masahiro Tanaka was for them.

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto Free Agency Heats Up With Boston as Top Competitors, Fueled by an Old Orix Buffaloes Relation

It is rumored that much like another Japanese baseball sensation, Yamamoto prefers the West Coast. But it looks like he has more interest coming in from the East and Central zone. Apart from the Mets, even the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers have joined the race. With a potential $200 million contract in his hand, is this the biggest deal that a Japanese pitcher has been offered in MLB till now?

The largest contract for a Japanese pitcher in MLB

The New York Mets signed Kodai Senga for a 5 year, $75 million deal. This was not even close to the highest that a Japanese pitcher has gotten in the league. Up until now, the largest contract has been of Masahiro Tanaka. He inked a $155 million, seven-year deal with the New York Yankees in 2013. This was at the time the 5th largest contract ever for a pitcher in MLB.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a great chance of not only breaking that record but also going through the $200 million ceiling. Already dubbed as perhaps the best pitcher to have come from Japan, he will have a lot of suitors waiting in the wings. Yamamoto’s free agency arrives maybe as soon as this Monday!

Watch This Story: Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit