The Dodgers brought out the big guns for their meeting with coveted Japanese free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Los Angeles had a star-studded sales team awaiting Yamamoto for their meeting with him, which included their newest and biggest free agent signing Shohei Ohtani, according to The Athletic.
Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith also were on hand to help sell the right-hander on coming to the Dodgers.
But Ohtani’s presence adds another level of seriousness that the ballclub has in their pursuit of signing Yamamoto.
Ohtani has already given the Dodgers a big assist in his willingness to defer 97 percent of the money he’s owed in his new contract until the end of the deal, thus allowing the team to continue to build around their new superstar.
The flexibility provided to the Dodgers puts them in a position to be serious contenders for Yamamoto, who is said to be open to playing alongside another Japanese player.
Ohtani and Yamamoto were teammates during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Yamamoto is expected to receive a contract in the $200 million or higher range and whoever signs him will have to incur a posting fee that comes along with the deal.
According to The Athletic, thanks to Ohtani’s flexibility, the Dodgers would be able to absorb the costs associated with a potential deal with Yamamoto.
The Dodgers gave Yamamoto a straightforward pitch during their meeting, which included video images of the pitcher on the Dodger Stadium video board in an LA uniform.
The Dodgers are one of a number of big-market teams chasing after Yamamoto this offseason.
Among the teams are both the Mets and Yankees, the Giants, Blue Jays and Red Sox among others.
Yamamoto isn’t likely the Dodgers’ only target this offseason.
On Tuesday, Buster Olney reported that the Dodgers were looking at wooing closer Josh Hader, and The Athletic reported that they’re trying to work out a deal with the Rays for starter Tyler Glasnow.
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