Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers added to what had already been a wildly successful offseason by reportedly agreeing to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract. The deal is the richest for any pitcher in MLB history.
The value of Yamamoto’s contract with the Dodgers does not include a posting fee that is to be paid to the Orix Buffaloes. That amount is set at $50.6 million and was based on the deal Yamamoto received.
Any signing team owed Orix a posting fee that totaled 20% of the first $25 million of Yamamoto’s contract, an additional 17.5% of the next $25 million and 15% for any potential remaining total.
While the Dodgers made a long-term commitment, Yamamoto’s contract includes two opt-out clauses, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
Yamamoto, who has a pair of opt-outs in the contract, will receive a $50 million signing bonus, sources said.
It’s unclear at which point Yamamoto’s opt-out clauses are set for, but it could be after the 2028 and 2031 seasons, per Andy Martino of SportsNet New York:
Yamamoto’s camp was seeking opt-outs after years five and eight, making a highly questionable baseball commitment more palatable for Mets — essentially a five-year contract, if Yamamoto was healthy and effective.
With Ohtani and Yamamoto added, and Tyler Glasnow’s contract extension after being acquired as part of a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Dodgers have committed to spend more than $1 billion on the three players.
Each of them figure to play a key role in the team’s outlook during the 2024 season — and beyond — as the Dodgers look to bounce back from consecutive postseason flameouts in the National League Division Series.
Come 2025, the Dodgers starting rotation could very well feature Glasnow, Ohtani and Yamamoto.
Concerns with Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s opt-out clauses?
Should Yamamoto elect to opt out of his Dodgers contract after the 2025 season, he would be in prime position to test MLB free agency at the ripe age of 30 years old.
Although doing so would potentially end his Dodgers tenure much earlier than the lifespan of the 12-year contract, it also would likely indicate that the right-hander was a dominant force for them over five seasons.
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