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Baseball’s origins in the United States had cemented the moniker “America’s pastime,” but in today’s game, North America’s Major League Baseball is more diverse than ever with dozens on dozens of International superstars from Latin America; the Dominican Republic; Venezuela; Cuba; Asia etc. These stars have electrified the sport of baseball givin' it a fresh; exciting; and electric landscape. It's becoming a global pastime.
Baseball is soarin' the best it has since the "steroid era" being led by global sensations like Ronald Acuna Jr; Juan Soto; Yordan Alvarez; and the face of baseball Shohei Ohtani that has spreaded MLB product across the globe. Now, this year's MLB free agency is infested by global talent makin' the switch & the face lookin' for a new place (potentially). Japan is Asia’s leader in baseball (South Korea and Taiwan also have prominent leagues), and as a result of a strong baseball culture, the talent emerging from the region is impressing baseball fans worldwide and now could give the MLB two of the biggest stars in the world of baseball as well as the highest demanded sweepstakes we have seen in Free Agency in some time.
You know of Shohei, and I am sure you understand his sweepstakes value. Sure, the value may not be what it was 6 months ago, but it should still be more valuable than others seen before. That includes Alex Rodriguez, Bryce Harper, and Aaron Judge. I'd be shocked if Ohtani didn't break the contract record, even despite the scare of not gettin' two-way Shohei. On the other side, you have superstar 25-year old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto posted for free agency, coming from the NPB league in Japan. Yamamoto looks to be the next coming of an ace pitcher in MLB, and could potentially be one of the best players to switch from a Japan league to the MLB of all-time joining the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Ichiro Suzuki.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Ohtani make up one of the more valuable 1-2 punches in free agency history. What an amazing thing for those who idolize them in Asia and for baseball in general around the globe. Now the big question... who in the hell wins their sweepstakes! I for one, would love for them to duo up for the same franchise. That would be earth-shattering to the core of baseball. Could you even imagine? Could you imagine it; if we were to see the return of two-way Ohtani? Yamamoto and Ohtani in the same starting roation in the big leagues... I NEED IT. That would be kickass, but difficult. The Ohtani sweepstake value today compared to June 1st may help that fantasy come true, however. Still difficult, as there is a good chance that Yamamoto gets a monster deal... one that could eclipse $200 million. His youth is so appealing, mixed with his elite skill on the bump and grippin' stitches, I can see someone spending high to secure his services. Just look at the filth this guy releases from the wrist:
video via Cardinals Convo//X
Yamamoto is filthy-filthy. He should be a star in the big leagues. I have a gut feelin' both the Mets and Yankees are going to open the vault for him. I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Yamamoto relocates to New York, United States. Ohtani? My gut says he stays on the west side of the country- Giants; Dodgers; or... the defending champion Rangers (!) will make the highest bids. Angels too, but so help me if he answers any of their phone calls. They can leave voicemails like a normal ex. If I were to predict one, I'd say the Dodgers. If I were to choose one, it's the Rangers. All I know? I got my popcorn in hand, and my receipts in file.
Yamamoto isn't the only Japanese cat posted to make a transfer to the MLB. We have a few real solid guys up for the takin' that are coming from Asia. A slew of strong arms led by LHP Shota Imanaga; RHP Naoyuki Uwasawa; and RHP Yariel Rodriguez (Cuban). Rodriguez has some filthy stuff and a solid arsenal. One we saw on good display when he pitched for Team Cuba in the WBC. A great pickup for any team. The available international arms are in good order, but I think OF Jung Hoo Lee (Lee Jung-hoo) is the third best international player (including Ohtani) available in free agency. With a bare and slim lineup of available position players all around, Lee Jung-hoo is by far one of the best players available. He's got some youth like Yamamoto, both 25, and has great plate vision; awareness; and can get to business with the glove in the outfield. I think he turns into a solid big leaguer. I expect him to have a slow start like Masataka Yoshida, but same to more value than Yoshida. Interested to see who signs him.
It's so bloody awesome to see international players take over The Big 4. NBA and MLB seeing the highest turn over rate outside of the NHL (they don't count ha). Messi joining the MLS. Just great stuff. It's also great to see two huge MLB free agents up for the taking. Always fun entertainment for fans to watch playout, especially post George Steinbrenner. I am not one to count out Ohtani, I still consider him the greatest free agent ever. Exciting times. To make things more exciting, Yamamoto and Ohtani hint at signing at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. I am not patient, so this is great news. Lite the headlines ablaze!
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