Josh Reddick criticizes Yoshinobu Yamamoto's contract with the Dodgers

Retired MLB star criticizes Dodgers' $325m contract with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Fans clap back, referencing Reddick's cheating scandal. Dodgers outbid Mets and Yankees.

Retired baseball star Josh Reddick recently expressed his disapproval of Yoshinobu Yamamoto's contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers successfully secured the highly sought-after player, outbidding other major teams such as the New York Yankees and Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies to secure Yamamoto's services.

Yamamoto, a Japanese free agent, reportedly agreed to a staggering 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers. Reddick, who retired from baseball earlier this year, took to social media to criticize the deal, questioning the justification of awarding such a lucrative contract to a player who has not yet proven himself in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Expressing his disbelief, Reddick posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "How do you give a guy $325 million without ever throwing a pitch in MLB?" He then doubled down on his stance when he replied to a fan who lamented that "baseball is ruined," stating, "I agree."

However, Reddick's comments sparked a backlash from other baseball fans who pointed out his own history. Many referenced the fact that Reddick was part of the Houston Astros team that won the 2017 World Series, a victory that was later tainted by a cheating scandal involving sign-stealing.

Some fans questioned Reddick's credibility, with one asking, "How do you have World Series champion in your bio when it was proven you cheated to win it?" Another fan echoed similar sentiments, asking, "How do you claim a World Series that was won by cheating?"

In response to Reddick's criticism, others also brought up his performance statistics, highlighting a decline in his batting average over the years. They questioned how someone with a fluctuating performance record could criticize another player's contract.

Reports indicated that the New York Mets were willing to match the Dodgers' offer for Yamamoto, while the Yankees were only willing to go as high as $300 million over 10 years. This development comes shortly after the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani finalized a massive 10-year deal worth $700 million.

It is believed that Yamamoto's contract includes a $50 million signing bonus, which may have been made possible by Ohtani deferring $68 million of his salary every year. This significant financial commitment to both Yamamoto and Ohtani reflects the evolving landscape of professional baseball contracts and the increasing competition among teams to secure top talent.