Is money the be-all and end-all of everything? Not for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, at least. Despite signing the biggest pitching deal of all time, there was a chance for Yamamoto to make more money. The Samurai Japan ace was the apple of nearly every team’s eye, but the Philadelphia Phillies were especially impressed by him. So much so that they offered him a huge contract. Then how is it that Yamamoto is wearing the jersey of the Dodgers?

It has always been known that the Dodgers were Yamamoto’s first choice. While until now it was understandable because they made the biggest offer, this new revelation has changed things completely. Now one has to wonder: just what was it that attracted the ace? 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto chooses passion over huge money

Until now, it was known that only the Mets had matched the $325 million offer from the Dodgers. So it made sense why he chose the Blue Crew, as they were much ahead of the Mets when it came to competitiveness. But the Phillies? They’ve been the closest to winning the World Series in the past two seasons. And as Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed, “The Phillies offered more money than any team, according to multiple industry sources.” 

Now that has generated genuine curiosity! The position of the Phillies and the Dodgers is relatively the same. The Fightin’ Phils would’ve given Yamamoto the same chance of success as the Dodgers, so why didn’t he choose them? The answer isn’t clear, but one can imagine Shohei Ohtani and geography played a huge role in his decision.

The idea of creating a Japanese superteam with Ohtani could’ve enticed Yamamoto. More importantly, California’s proximity to Japan may have also played a huge role. Add to that the huge Japanese diaspora in California—it all collectively makes sense why Yamamoto would prefer the City of Angels over some Brotherly Love. 

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However, the real surprise is this: if the Phillies were willing to spend so much on Yamamoto, why haven’t they gone for any other pitcher yet?

The Philadelphia Phillies’ confusing offseason

Apart from Zac Wheeler and Aaron Nola, the Phillies do not have a strong pitching staff. Perhaps that’s why they’ve been linked with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. However, unlike the Yamamoto offer, the Phillies haven’t made a giant offer to these stars. For instance, in the case of Montgomery, the Phils are reportedly only interested in a short-term deal. This is unacceptable for Monty as of now.

Read more: Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto Teases Nasty Pitches: A Stark Reminder to Yankees, Mets of What Could Have Been

So was that big offer an anomaly? a balls-to-the-wall act by the Phillies? Or was it a hint of things to come? Is there a chance for the Phillies to go all-in on any of the remaining free agents? What a story it’ll be if they do.