Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto spark rumors with planned appearance

Dec 14, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani is introduced at a press conference at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: Multiple reports denied that Yoshinobu Yamamoto plans to attend Thursday’s Rams game, though Shohei Ohtani might.

Now that Shohei Ohtani has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the baseball world is waiting anxiously for star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make a decision on his future. The speculation may be about ready to hit fever pitch on Thursday, though.

Both Ohtani and Yamamoto were listed among the celebrity guests expected to attend Thursday’s Los Angeles Rams game against the New Orleans Saints. Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times confirmed that Ohtani and Yamamoto both intend to be at the game.

Can confirm that Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to be at the Rams game tonight, for whatever it’s worth

Happy hot stove szn https://t.co/Vxn8UXY34N

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) December 21, 2023

It is not clear if Ohtani and Yamamoto are attending together, but even if not, one would expect them to cross paths at some point if they are in the same place.

We do know that the Dodgers are very much in pursuit of Yamamoto and are seen as one of the favorites, despite speculation linking him to the Yankees or Mets. Ohtani has already been in recruiting mode for the Dodgers, too, so it would make sense for him to put in a good word for his new team if he hasn’t already done so.

The 25-year-old Yamamoto has been the Pacific League MVP for three years in a row, a span during which he won the pitching triple crown in each season. He has gone 70-29 with a 1.82 ERA in his Nippon Professional Baseball career. Some rumors suggest he could command as much as $300 million from any team he signs with.