An important international free agent, perhaps even more significant than Shohei Ohtani, will sign with an MLB team this offseason. Many teams will be interested in signing Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto this offseason because of his potential to become a star in the Major Leagues.

There will likely be a bidding wаr for the services of the 25-year-old pitcher whenever he reaches the major leagues.

The Angels are reportedly not interested in Yamamoto, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post, as they are more concerned with keeping Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani did have three incredible years over there, but most people have written off the current squad. Because of their high hopes for Ohtani, the Angels may be the only major league club to pass on Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports

Adding Yamamoto to the Angels’ rotation would give them a top-tier starter, but the team’s offseason focus should be on Ohtani. If they are unable to resign him, their future plans may be in jeopardy.

Since he joined the team, he has been an integral part of their success, thus losing him would be devastating. The Angels would receive a compensation pick if Ohtani signs elsewhere, but it wouldn’t help them very much.

It would hurt, but it would be on them if they saw Ohtani wearing a different team’s shirt. There was some poor luck involved, but they were doomed to fail if they didn’t make the playoffs at least once during his tenure.

The Angels would love for Ohtani to stay with the team, but he has made it obvious that winning is his top priority. Since they have failed to persuade Ohtani of this, Yamamoto may not be interested in joining.

The Halos are in a precarious position, but one that has been expected for some time. Everyone will be watching the team closely during the summer to see what moves they make.