While the MLB transfer market is calm before the storm, an inside source has just shaken the baseball world: The Chicago Cubs are said to be secretly negotiating a blockbuster contract with Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto – and the “behind the scenes” person is none other than Anthony Rizzo, the living legend of Wrigley Field.
According to sources close to the matter, Rizzo – currently an honorary ambassador of the Cubs – has participated in the “secret consulting” process, advising Yamamoto to choose Chicago as the next destination in his career. “He loves Chicago, understands the Cubs culture, and wants to see the team return to its glory days. Rizzo’s presence in the talks is a strong signal,” said an unnamed source within the organization.
What makes this news so shocking is that Yamamoto is being pursued by a host of big names – from the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets – but the Cubs are quietly making a “fantastic” financial offer that could shatter the offseason market this year.
Rizzo, who was the soul of the Cubs from 2014–2021, is said to have reached out to Yamamoto, sharing the special atmosphere of Wrigley Field, the passion of Chicago fans, and the honesty with which the organization treats its stars. A source revealed:
“Rizzo said, ‘In Chicago, you’re not just a player – you’re part of history.’ And Yamamoto took that seriously.”
If this deal comes to fruition, the Cubs will shake up the entire MLB, not only because of the ability of Yamamoto – who had a 1.21 ERA in NPB 2023, 169 strikeouts in 164 innings, but also because of the strong message: the Cubs are back on the power track.
Cubs fans are currently boiling on social media, some likening this to the team’s “great rebirth plan”, when Rizzo – despite retiring – still “infuses the spirit” to the next generation. One post shared tens of thousands of times reads:
“If Rizzo was the one who started the 2016 Cubs dynasty, then Yamamoto could be the one to write the next chapter.”
The Cubs have remained silent, only releasing a brief statement from president Jed Hoyer:
“We are always looking for opportunities to take the team to the next level. Some things, time will tell.”
But behind the scenes at MLB, the news is truly shocking — as Chicago, the windy city, may be about to welcome a major storm named Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the man who lit that fire… is Anthony Rizzo.
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