Yoshinobu Yamamoto 'now accepting free-agent offers from MLB teams with Mets set to bid in the coming days' after $300m-rated pitcher met with Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox and Phillies

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is now reportedly accepting offers from MLB teams, with the New York Mets expected to bid in the coming days for the Japanese superstar.

The pitcher has been courted by teams across the league but reports claim that until this week, discussions have been more exploratory and have not included 'serious' contract proposals.

Now, though, the 25-year-old is ready to field formal offers, according to the Post. Yamamoto could cost more than $300million and the Mets are said to expect a decision on his future by Christmas.

The Japanese star, who has played for the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball since 2017, is in a 45-day window to sign a contract. That period expires on January 4. 

The right hander, the top free-agent pitcher on the market, was reportedly in New York over ther weekend for meetings with the Yankees and the Mets. It was the second time the player had met the teams in person.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is now reportedly accepting free-agent offers from MLB teams

Yamamoto, who held talks with both the Mets and Yankees, may cost more than $300million

The pitcher reportedly had dinner at the home of Mets owner Steve Cohen in Connecticut, with president of baseball operations David Stearns, manager Carlos Mendoza and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner also present.

The following day, he is said to have met with Yankees officials for the second time in a week, with owner Hal Steinbrenner, GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone all involved in the pitch.

Yamamoto has reportedly also held talks with the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox and Phillies.

According to the Post, it was thought bidding for the 25-year-old would start at around $200m. Now, though, his value could surpass $300m.

The record contract for a starting pitcher is $324m, given by the Yankees to Gerrit Cole over nine years back in 2019.