Shohei Ohtani might be the biggest free agent in the market but another player is enjoying just as much attention. It’s his fellow ace from the Land of the Rising Sun, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old has mesmerized the MLB world by his domination on the mound in NPB. The raw talent and immense potential he possesses have turned Yamamot0 into the most sought-after pitcher in this year’s offseason. With clubs pursuing him in earnest, could an emotional angle serve in the one team’s favor?

Yamamoto is looking to sign a contract worth upward of $200 million. With teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets after him, could the Boston Red Sox pull the proverbial rabbit out of their hat to zoom past their opposition in this race for the future superstar?

Red Sox could use Masataka Yoshida in their quest for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

While it is a popular fact that Japanese players typically do not prefer to play in the same team in MLB, sometimes friendship can make one do the unthinkable. The Red Sox might be betting on that same friendship to get Yamamoto. At least according to Jon Morosi, they are hoping to use a good friend of the Japanese ace in order to lure him to the Boston Red Sox.

He said,?“Of course, Masataka Yoshida a teammate of Yamamoto’s there for many years in Orix so perhaps the Boston Red Sox may have an edge as well based on the relationship with Masataka Yoshida. “

As Morosi stated, Masataka Yoshida and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were teammates in the Orix Buffaloes. They created history in their 6 years together, winning back-to-back pennants. Defying all odds, the duo won Buffaloes’ first Japanese Series championship in 26 years in 2022. As if that wasn’t enough, they also led Samurai Japan to an undefeated World Baseball Classic victory.

The two grew immensely close and apparently loved to play together. Yoshida now plays for the Boston Red Sox, who are hoping that this could entice Yamamoto to join them. The BoSox ace was interested in the prospect of them playing together as he told the Boston Herald, “If it happens that would be cool, that?s his baseball life, so I hope he?ll be well in any team he goes, I?m so excited to see him again.”

Could the friends unite again in MLB? While that question will get answered in time, who are the other teams that are going after Yamamoto right now? Is there another team trying to use a past connection?

Yamamoto’s potential big links and suitability, and Kodai Senga’s Mets connection

Luckily for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, most of the league currently has a shortage of a good-quality bullpen. With a constant flow of postseason success, the LA Dodgers are among the top teams pursuing him. Another big name is the New York Mets. They suffered immensely in 2023 due to their non-performing bullpen and are looking for a quality pitcher, making Yamamoto an obvious target. Not to mention Kodai Senga, the Mets rookie who has been pushing for his team to sign the 25-year-old.

Read more: Japanese Superstars Continue to Dominate GM Meetings as Shohei Ohtani and His WBC Championship Teammate Earn High Praise

With so many teams after him, where will the Japanese ace end up? Will he play on the same side as a friend or will we see two ex-teammates facing off against each other in an epic battle in 2024?

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