Weekend reports share dollar amount on Red Sox Yoshinobu Yamamoto offer
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of Team Japan pitches in the eighth inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Just how much the Boston Red Sox are willing to spend has been a key question around the team for the last few free agency cycles. When it comes to this offseason, it sounds like there is at least one player the team is willing to open up the check book for.
Over the weekend, multiple reports indicated the Red Sox have made an offer to Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. According to MLB insiders Marino Pepen and Jim Bowden, the Sox’s offer to Yamamoto exceeds $300 million.
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Pepen added that the contract proposal from the Red Sox includes “causes and incentives convenient for both parties.” Bowden noted that in addition to the Red Sox, the San Francisco Giants also have a $300-plus million offer on the table, with “other [teams] too making strong runs.”
Among those other teams are likely the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers, who Yamamoto has reportedly already met with. He’s expected to meet with the Red Sox in the coming days, as well as the Toronto Blue Jays and potentially the Philadelphia Phillies.
Yamamoto, 25, went 16-6 in 23 starts in the NBP last year, posting a 1.21 ERA and 0.884 WHIP. The righty struck out 169 hitters with just 28 walks in 164 innings. That performance saw Yamamoto win his third consecutive Pacific League MVP, third consecutive Sawamura Award (the Japanese Cy Young Award) and was named to his fifth NBP All-Star Game.
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Milliken: Breaking down 5 external 2B options for the Red Sox
Since Dustin Pedroia lost his chokehold on second base for the Red Sox (Looking at you, Manny Machado), it’s been a constant battle to find stability at the keystone again. Trevor Story was initially signed to fill those shoes in 2022, but with his home now being shortstop until Marcelo Mayer is ready, there’s a need for at least a 1-year stopgap at second base. The Red Sox have made it clear their priority is strong defense at the position, but I’d argue they still need another impact bat from the right side as well.
In 2023, the Red Sox were the worst defensive team at second base in baseball with -12 Defensive Runs Saved and -13 Outs Above Average. Not a great recipe when you’re relying on a ground ball machine like Brayan Bello to flourish with a 56.2 GB%. Or trying to sell a free agent like Jordan Montgomery, who doesn’t miss a ton of bats, on coming to Boston.
On the offensive side of things, it was a bit better, but not by much. 12 different players appeared at the position, which resulted in a lackluster 87 wRC+ that ranked 20th out of 30 teams. This comes into focus even more with the struggles Trevor Story has had at the plate since signing with the Red Sox.
Enmanuel Valdez, Pablo Reyes, and David Hamilton all remain as internal candidates. Valdez was challenged by Alex Cora to improve his defense, which will be something to watch after his time in the Dominican Winter League. But considering how tight-lipped the Red Sox have been under Craig Breslow, it’s hard to ignore how forthcoming he’s been about wanting to add at second base.
So, let’s dive into 5 external options that can make sense through trade or free agency.
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering both the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
