The New York Mets Targeting Yoshinobu Yamamoto: A Departure From Past Offseasons
The New York Mets are making a special effort to pursue Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 25-year-old star free-agent pitcher from Japan. According to sources familiar with the team’s thinking, the Mets view Yamamoto as a player worth splurging on, standing alone at the top of the market. If the Mets don’t land him, their offseason strategy is expected to differ significantly from previous years under owner Steve Cohen.
Last year, Cohen authorized the highest payroll in baseball history. However, this winter, under president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets have been distributing only a few one-year deals to complementary or potentially resurgent players. If the Mets miss out on Yamamoto, they are not expected to simply pivot to the next-best free-agent pitcher, but rather to continue to pursue lower-tier options.
The Mets’ roster, especially the pitching staff, has holes that need to be filled, and they are prepared to remain active and spend money. However, they are likely to continue offering one-year or two-year deals. This offseason, beyond Yamamoto, the Mets do not have a significant big-ticket item on their board, and they are not expected to pursue a player who would make a big splash – with the exception of Yamamoto.
Yamamoto presents a special opportunity for any club due to his age and front-line pitching potential, and sources say that several people within the industry see a recalibration year as a need for the Mets. Under Cohen, the expectation is that the Mets will continue to have a high payroll, but with an eye toward next winter when they will have major payroll flexibility.
Thus, the Mets’ apparent caution in free agency this year may be due to circumstantial factors, and not indicative of their long-term operating strategy. Even with Cohen, the Mets should not be counted out for players until they have signed elsewhere. However, the first offseason of the partnership between Cohen and Stearns looks to feature some patience.
Max Scherzer, the Mets’ ace, suggested that he was told the team would not be as aggressive in free agency, and the Mets’ leaders have suggested that they have lower odds of winning a World Series in 2024. This apparent recalibration year would give the Mets an opportunity to learn more about their young players and their farm system.
The Mets are looking for pitching help, an outfielder for regular playing time, and a right-handed hitting third baseman in the wake of a recent injury. Yamamoto stands out in their pursuit of a player, and owner Steve Cohen has shown willingness to do whatever it takes to sign him. Regardless, it doesn’t sound like there’s another player out there in the Mets’ view that is worth paying a premium for.