Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes down to three teams?

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/21/23

The bidding war for free-agent starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto appears to be down to three teams.

According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco Giants were informed on Thursday that they're out of the sweepstakes for the Japanese ace. Pavlovic added that the "expectation" is he'll ultimately ink a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees or New York Mets.

With Yamamoto expected to net a contract surpassing $300 million, it should be no surprise that these are the last remaining teams in the hunt for his services.

The Dodgers have been a favorite to land Yamamoto from the jump, but after signing superstar Shohei Ohtani to a record-breaking contract, their odds have only increased. Speculation rose to a fever pitch after a report indicated that Yamamoto would accompany Ohtani as a special guest of the Los Angeles Rams ahead of their "Thursday Night Football" contest against the New Orleans Saints. However, the report proved false, explained as a change of plans. It might amount to simple misinformation, but true or not, it shouldn't take the Dodgers out of the running.

Welp, being told now that Yoshinobu Yamamoto IS NOT going to be at the Rams game tonight

The Rams were expecting him to be there, but plans apparently changed
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) December 21, 2023

Meanwhile, the Yankees have met with Yamamoto twice, even giving him his own jersey along with a video message from former Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui.

They've also made a "significant bid" but have yet to hear an answer, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

That leaves the Mets, who might be the longshot out of the three contenders. Andy Martino of the New York Post said they're "hopeful," but he believes the real battle for Yamamoto is between the Dodgers and Yankees. Nevertheless, money talks and Martino confirmed that owner Steve Cohen is preparing a "very serious" offer for the star pitcher.

It's still unclear which way the stud hurler might be leaning. However, the seemingly never-ending speculation may be nearing its end, as rumors are a decision could come before Christmas.

More must-reads: