Just In: Yankees offered Yamamoto a better contract and he has….

In a perfect world, the New York Yankees would have signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto as one of their top starting pitchers in the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, the stars did not align despite the Japanese international’s aggressive push and desire to join them. The Yankees will now have to pivot in different directions, both through the trade market and the remaining free agents. However, general manager Brian Cashman made Yamamoto an aggressive offer, arguably better than the deal the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately signed him.According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yankees offered Yamamoto a great contract, including early waivers and more money up front:“The Yankees offered Yamamoto a higher average annual value than the Dodgers, an early waiver and more money over the first five years, according to sources familiar with the respective proposals.”Yamamoto ultimately signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with several stipulations, but while the Yankees’ contract was slightly cheaper, it included more money in earlier seasons and a waiver that nullified the Dodgers’ offer, which would have earned an opportunity to make money if his business continues to improve. The Dodgers gave him a $50 million signing bonus, but the salary was deferred so he could hold out for longevity or try to negotiate a new deal elsewhere in the future.The New York Mets also gave him 12 years and $325 million, but he clearly had an affinity with the Dodgers, who recently signed Shohei Ohtani to a $700 million contract this offseason.The Yankees’ offer averaged $30 million per season, $3 million more than the Dodgers’ deal. According to Rosenthal, the opt-out occurred in the fifth year, while the Dodgers had it in the sixth and ninth years. The Yankees are clearly saving a lot of money in this situation, as Yamamoto got a $50 million signing bonus on top of his $325 million contract and the Dodgers had to pay $46.875 million to the Orix Buffaloes in postal compensation . The Yanks were more than willing to part with money for his services, but it appeared his fate was sealed after meeting several Los Angeles stars at a rally at Dodgers Stadium and spending a few days in Southern California. With perfect weather and a super team in the making, the Yankees lose this achievement, leaving them in a turbulent situation.At the very least, they have more than $300 million at their disposal to spend in free agency and to put toward a Juan Soto contract extension next offseason.