Because the early days of the offseason proceed, listed here are three issues for MLBTR readers to control…
1. When will Yamamoto be posted?
Earlier this week, the Orix Buffaloes introduced shortly after their loss in Recreation 7 of the Japan Sequence to the Hanshin Tigers that they’ve authorized the posting of star right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. With the membership’s approval secured, the ultimate step earlier than Yamamoto is formally a free agent accessible to MLB golf equipment is for him to be formally posted, after which level he could have a 45-day window throughout which he can signal with any membership within the majors. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi not too long ago advised that Yamamoto’s posting window is predicted to open within the close to future, possible someday subsequent week.
Yamamoto, after all, is probably essentially the most thrilling pitching free agent available on the market. Set to hit free company at simply 25 years outdated, he’s dominated NPB hitters to the tune of a 1.42 ERA in 557 2/3 innings of labor the previous three seasons. Whereas scouts and groups are sometimes unsure about how international stars will regulate to stateside ball, Yamamoto is one thing of an exception to that; he’s extensively considered a probably ace-caliber arm and a transparent entrance of the rotation starter for an MLB membership. That mixture of youth and expertise secured Yamamoto the #3 spot on MLBTR’s annual Prime-50 free brokers listing, the place we projected him for a nine-year, $225MM deal.
2. MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest:
This yr’s MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest will stay open by Monday night at 11pm CT. When you haven’t made your picks but however nonetheless wish to enter, you’ll be able to take a while this weekend to take action! The competition is free to enter, and the highest three finishers will obtain money prizes of $500, $300 and $100, respectively. The highest 15 finishers can even obtain a free yearlong subscription to our Commerce Rumors Entrance Workplace subscription package deal, which along with ad-free viewing additionally comes with entry to weekly e-mail content material, a weekly subscriber-only chat, entry to MLBTR’s Contract Tracker and Company Database, and extra. As soon as the competition is closed, we’ll launch a leaderboard so you’ll be able to see the way you’re faring each towards different entrants and the MLBTR employees! You may learn extra concerning the contest right here and click on right here to enter your picks!
3. MLBTR Chat at this time:
With the offseason ramping up, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will host a chat with readers at this time at 1pm CT to sort out questions on free company, trades and extra. You may click on right here to ask a query upfront, and that very same hyperlink will let you take part dwell and to learn a transcript after the chat is full.
