Yoshinobu Yamamoto has not yet played a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but due to certain provisions in his contract, much discussion has already begun regarding whether he will play out the entire duration of his agreement.

With his 12-year, $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto became the MLB pitcher with the most guaranteed amount of money ever. But it can only happen if the Japanese star stays for the whole twelve seasons; his contract gives him the option to leave after the sixth and eighth seasons.

Meaning Yamamoto will have an opportunity to enter free agency after the 2029 and 2031 World Series. New information, however, indicates that this provision is conditional and dependent on the right elbow’s condition.

According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, the 25-year-old right-hander will be able to delay his opt-outs by two years. This means that he will not be allowed to leave until after the 2031 and 2033 World Series, assuming that he has elbow surgery and misses 134 days of service time from 2024-29. In addition, a $10 million 13th-year club option will be immediately added.

By the year 2029, how much money will Yoshinobu Yamamoto have made?

The Los Angeles Dodgers anticipate a lot of money from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, even if he decides to depart after only six years. A substantial portion of the former Orix Buffaloes pitcher’s salary is deferred; he will receive $5 million this year, $10 million in 2025, and $12 million in 2026. In 2027, 2028, and 2029, he will additionally receive $26 million.

An additional $50 million was stipulated in Yamamoto’s contract as a signing bonus. The article states that on February 1st, he will receive $20 million of the total, and on July 1st, the remaining balance will be due.