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Yakult Swallows looking to keep Tetsuto Yamada for long term

By David Hill

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 17: Tetsuto Yamada #1 of team Japan bow to audience after hitting a three run homrun during the WBSC Premier 12 final game between Japan and South Korea at the Tokyo Dome on November 17, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 17: Tetsuto Yamada #1 of team Japan bow to audience after hitting a three run homrun during the WBSC Premier 12 final game between Japan and South Korea at the Tokyo Dome on November 17, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images) /
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Tetsuto Yamada was expected to look to come to Major League Baseball, but the Yakult Swallows are not letting him escape without a fight.

Tetsuto Yamada has established himself as one of the best players in Nippon Professional Baseball. Dubbed the Japanese Mike Trout, major league franchises have been waiting for the time that Yamada will cross the Pacific, looking to establish himself amongst the best players to come stateside.

It appeared as though that time would come this offseason. Yamada had earned the right to become a free agent, and was expected to pursue MLB opportunities. As a power hitting second baseman with excellent speed, he would immediately become one of the top free agents on the market.

However, the Yakult Swallows, his NPB team, are not willing to let him depart without a fight. According to reports, Yamada has been offered a seven year deal worth 4.5 billion yen, or just over $4.28 million.

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From 2014 through 2019, Yamada had been one of the biggest stars in Japan, averaging 33 homers and 26 steals per year. He had four seasons where he hit 30 or more homers while stealing 30 or more bases, and in three of those years, also hit over 30 doubles.

However, Yamada struggled in 2020. He showed up out of shape when spring training began, and never really found his footing during the season. This led to a disappointing .256/.344/.428 batting line, as he hit only 14 homers and 17 doubles while stealing eight bases over his 366 plate appearances. His .772 OPS was his lowest since 2013, just before he broke out as one of the biggest stars in NPB.

While that down season could decrease the amount he is offered stateside, that should not overly diminish his market. Yamada would be coming over in the midst of his prime at 28 years old. Although there are questions about his range at second, his offensive capability, and his potential to be a strong power and speed threat immediately, continue to make him one of the more intriguing potential free agents.

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The Yakult Swallows see this as well. Even though Tetsuto Yamada may want to come stateside, the Swallows are not going to give up without a fight.

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