After failing to sign Shohei Ohtani, the Toronto Blue Jays tried to convince Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to join their team.
According to the website MLB.com, the 25-year-old athlete would have planned a meeting with the only Canadian team in major baseball. He has reportedly already spoken to the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox.
• Also read: Ohtani: The Blue Jays offer was huge
The same source reports that Yamamoto is seeking an eight-year deal worth more than $200 million.
Nippon has burned down its country's best league in recent years. He was discovered by North American fans during the last World Classic and was recently released by the Orix Buffaloes to make the jump to Major League Baseball.
In 2023, the right-hander went 17-6 with a 1.42 ERA. He also struck out 176 opponents.
According to several experts, Yamamoto would be the No. 1 or 2 pitcher on most major league teams.
Recall that the Blue Jays were among the finalists of the Ohtani Derby, who eventually used his autonomy to sign a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.