Phillies president details pursuit of Japanese star pitcher

The 25-year-old ended up signing a 12-year, $325M contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in late December.

The New York Yankees were also among the reported contenders for Yamamoto's services.

Philadelphia fell two wins shy of capturing the 2022 World Series title against the Houston Astros and then was eliminated in Game 7 of the 2023 NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The biggest offseason happenings around the City of Brotherly Love have involved ace starting pitcher Aaron Nola and power-hitting first baseman Rhys Hoskins. The former signed a massive contract extension with the club in November, while Hoskins joined the Milwaukee Brewers in January.

The other 2023 NLDS teams have had a bigger offseason than the Phillies.

Los Angeles has added Yamamoto, two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and slugging outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, and is re-signing franchise icon Clayton Kershaw.

The Diamondbacks have brought in two-time All-Star outfielder Joc Pederson, lefty starter Eduardo Rodriguez and hard-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez, plus re-signed 2023 All-Star left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Meanwhile, the biggest needle-movers for the Atlanta Braves have been the December trade for former first-round outfielder Jarred Kelenic and acquiring seven-time All-Star starting pitcher Chris Sale.

The Dodgers will be the favorites in the senior circuit heading into spring training, but the Phillies have plenty of other stiff competition as things currently stand.