Surprising Mets Reportedly Linked To Star Pitcher In Upcoming Free Agency
The New York Mets may have a surprising move or two up their sleeves.
New York has been a disappointment this season and now is turning its focus to the 2024 campaign after being one of the biggest sellers ahead of the trade deadline. The Mets dealt star duo Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander away along with outfielders Tommy Pham and Mark Canha.
It has been rumored that the Mets are planning on contending in either 2025 or 2026 with the 2024 campaign being a bridge year, but that may not end up being the case. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal suggested that the Mets reportedly may be a fit for upcoming free agent star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The free-agent pitcher who probably makes the most sense for the Mets’ new world order is one who has yet to pitch in the majors, Yamamoto," Rosenthal said. "The Orix Buffaloes are expected to post Yamamoto this offseason. (Mets general manager Billy Eppler) watched him in person during the WBC, and according to the Mets’ network, SNY also traveled to Japan to see him pitch this year.
"In each of the past two seasons, Yamamoto was the Pacific League MVP and winner of the Eiji Sawamura Award, the Japanese version of the Cy Young. This season could be no different. Yamamoto’s ERA through 16 starts is 1.57. The previous two seasons, it was 1.39 and 1.68. And here’s the best part, from the Mets’ perspective and every other major-league club’s as well: Thursday is Yamamoto’s birthday. And he will be only 25 years old."
Yamamoto may be the most sought-after free agent pitcher this upcoming offseason aside from Los Angeles Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani. It isn't confirmed he will be posted by the Buffaloes, but it is significantly more likely than not. Yamamoto is just 25 years old and in his seven-year professional career has yet to have a season with an ERA over 2.35. Maybe he will be the Mets' next big signing.