The Chicago Cubs have finalized a deal with Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga, signing him to a four-year, $53 million contract.
The deal includes provisions for the team to extend the contract to $80 million over five years, but Imanaga has the option to become a free agent if the Cubs decline the extension. [ more ]
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Appears to Already Be Recruiting Former Japan Teammates to Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers aim to be Japan's team by signing Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, focusing on international marketing.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto sent Los Angeles Dodgers gear to his former Orix Buffalos teammates, potentially to recruit them, showcasing the team's commitment to building a pipeline of Japanese talent. [ more ]
'We're going to have kids growing up as Dodger fans': How L.A.'s plan to win over Japan has begun
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant investment in Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to expand their fan base in Japan.
Dodgers' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, believes that the passion for baseball in Japan is strong and aims to convert Japanese fans into Dodgers supporters. [ more ]
Andrew Friedman Hopes Shohei Ohtani Signing Helps Dodgers Sign Future Japanese Players
The Dodgers have signed two of the best Japanese players in the offseason, creating excitement in Japan and potentially expanding their fanbase and talent pool.
Dodgers' president Andrew Friedman sees the signing of Japanese players as a potential pipeline for future talent from Japan. [ more ]
Shohei Ohtani has signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, surpassing previous salary records in American professional sports.
Ohtani's contract highlights the growing recognition of Japanese players as not only very good, but among the best and most popular in the international game. [ more ]