The Japanese restaurant, which Ohtani took pictures of, was opened in LA in 1987 by famous Japanese chef Matsuhisa Nobu.
Earlier, the U.S. media reported on the 22nd that Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million about 423.4 billion won contract with the Dodgers. This was the highest-ever contract for a major league pitcher, exceeding $324 million about 422.1 billion won for nine years that Gerrit Cole signed with the New York Yankees.
The reason Yamamoto was able to receive this amount was clear. Yamamoto has been consistently selected as one of the best pitchers in Japan over the past few years. He has won four consecutive pitcher titles multiple wins, ERA, strikeouts, and winning percentage for three consecutive years since 2021, and he has won the MVP award for the third consecutive year in 27 years since Ichiro Suzuki. The Sawamura Prize, dubbed Japan's Cy Young Award, has also won the prize for the third consecutive year. He is evaluated as outstanding in all pitches, including fastballs that are in the mid-150km/h range, curves, and splitters. Through the 2023 season, his overall record in the Japanese pro baseball is 70-29 with a 1.82 ERA.
To recruit Yamamoto, who dominated Japanese baseball, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and Dodgers participated in the recruitment campaign. Notably, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen even visited Japan and met with Yamamoto. Yankees also showed keen interest in him. However, the eventual winner was the Dodgers.
It is not clear until now why Yamamoto joined the Dodgers. However, some people even picked Ohtani as the reason for his joining. In fact, John Morosi of MLB Network said, "According to an official familiar with Japanese baseball, Yamamoto wanted to join Ohtani in the Dodgers."
Before signing the contract with Yamamoto, the Dodgers signed a 10-year contract worth 700 million U.S. dollars with Stove League's biggest fish, Ohtani, this year. This is the largest contract in the history of professional sports.
However, the contents of the contract shocked everyone. Of the 700 million dollars, 680 million dollars was paid off as a deferral. This was Ohtani's sacrifice to strengthen the team's capacity. As Ohtani saved money, the Dodgers had a perfect offseason by recruiting Yamamoto.
Ohtani chose the Dodgers by dealing a huge amount of money with a dipper. The Dodgers responded by recruiting Yamamoto. Ohtani, who needed Yamamoto more than anyone else, welcomed his Japanese teammate to the Dodgers with open arms. 토토사이트 순위
