The New York Mets Pursue Star Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The New York Mets have made it clear that they value Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 25-year-old star pitcher from Japan, by traveling to Japan to meet with him. However, they are not the only team interested in signing him. According to league sources, seven teams, including the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and two unidentified clubs, are serious suitors for Yamamoto.

Yamamoto’s Arrival in the United States

Yamamoto is expected to arrive in the United States this weekend, as confirmed by The Athletic through league sources. The Mets, along with other interested teams, plan to meet with him again. The signing deadline is January 4th, but it is unlikely to extend that far.

The Mets’ Advantage

Owner Steve Cohen’s wealth sets the Mets apart from other teams in the bidding war for Yamamoto. The Mets’ interest in Yamamoto is evident, as Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns flew to Osaka, Japan, to meet with Yamamoto and his family.

Mets owner Steve Cohen flew to Japan last week to meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, league sources told @TheAthletic.

— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) December 6, 2023

Stearns described the meeting as “great,” emphasizing Cohen’s commitment to bringing top talent to New York.

Yamamoto’s Fit with the Mets

The Mets are in need of a frontline starter for their pitching staff. Yamamoto aligns perfectly with their goal of being competitive in 2024 while valuing the future. Despite not seeing Yamamoto pitch in person, the Mets have sent scouts to evaluate him multiple times.

Yamamoto’s impressive performance in Nippon Professional Baseball, leading the league in wins, winning percentage, ERA, and strikeouts for the past three seasons, has caught the attention of scouts and players. With his diverse pitching repertoire, excellent fastball command, and competitive spirit, it’s no wonder why the Mets and other teams are vying for Yamamoto.

The Mets’ Approach

The key for the Mets is to convince Yamamoto that they are the best fit for him. During their meeting, Stearns aimed to be transparent and answered all of Yamamoto’s questions. He sees Yamamoto as a potential elite, front-end starter. Additionally, Kodai Senga, a teammate of Yamamoto’s who joined the Mets from Japan, expressed his support for having Yamamoto on the team.

Alternative Options

If the Mets fail to sign Yamamoto, their backup plan remains unclear. They have explored short-term deals with other pitchers but are not interested in one-year rental players. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are also available in the free-agent market, but the Mets may only consider them if the market conditions change. For now, Yamamoto remains their top choice.

(Photo of Yoshinobu Yamamoto during the World Baseball Classic in March: Rob Tringali / WBCI / MLB Photos via Getty Images)