Chicago Cubs Rumors: Jed Hoyer to scout Japanese Ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto

The grind doesn’t stop for the Chicago Cubs because they are in a position for a playoff push. If you haven’t heard of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, then maybe it’s time to put this player on your radar.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer is accompanying the MLB scouts to check out the Japanese Ace.

Who is Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

The ace of the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto has been taking over the league over the last 3 seasons. He has a 1.84 ERA and recently threw his 2nd career no-hitter. His accolades include earning the Pacific League Most Valuable Player title twice. The scouts have made comparisons to Masahiro Tanaka and the New York Mets All-star Kodai Senga. He has the eyeballs of 29 teams.

This right-handed pitcher delivers a fastball (95 – 99 MPH), a cutter, a splitter, and a curveball. The curveball release has an unorthodox release to keep batters guessing.

The Chicago Cubs are beginning to make their preparations for the off-season as Jed Hoyer is personally scouting Japanese ace Yoshinobo Yamamoto.

Why do the Cubs need Yamamoto?

Yamamoto is still young at 25 years old. The Cubs have a payroll of over $166 Million for 2023. They are looking to spend money this offseason, and what better way with a pitcher with this type of talent.

In my opinion, Yamamoto’s contract will be a haul. If he is compared to Masahiro Tanaka, this contract will surpass $200 million. Tanaka was signed for a $155 million dollar 7-year deal. With Shohei Ohtani’s injury, this might be a move that benefits the Cubs in the long run as they continue to build pieces around the team. To show how serious the Cubs are in obtaining them, Jed Hoyer also took the trip. Hopefully, this can help the Cubs stand out among the 29 other teams. The New York Yankees are also in the running as they intend to offer Yamamoto a contract this upcoming offseason.