The New York Mets went into MLB free agency hoping to make a big splash with one of the best, young talents available. After a spending spree on veteran starting pitchers backfired in previous offseasons, New York was determined to take a smarter approach this winter.
It’s why the Mets’ front office and team owner Steve Cohen set their signs on Japanese starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old wasn’t just the best pitcher in MLB free agency, but he carried the reputation of a player who loved the spotlight. He seemed like the perfect fit for New York.
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It seemingly came down to a bidding war with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants. While Yamamoto chose the Dodgers in the end, it was believed that it truly came down to a three-team battle between the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers. Even if the Mets put more money on the table, however, it might not have mattered.
As described by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, there’s a suspicion that the Mets never had a real chance at signing Yamamoto. It was reported months prior that he strongly preferred to play for a team on the West Coast and the heralded ace seemingly confirmed that in his introductory press conference with the Dodgers.
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Even if the Mets offered Yamamoto the $50 million signing bonus he wanted, it might not have made a difference. While he’s just coming over from Japan, Yamamoto and his agent seemed to use the Mets’ offer as leverage in negotiations with the Dodgers just like the biggest stars do to other MLB teams. New York wouldn’t have had a chance at him unless it vastly overpaid.
With Yamamoto the primary target on the Mets’ offseason wishlist this offseason, New York now seems ready to pivot to second-tier free agents who won’t need hefty long-term contracts. While it might be the best thing for the Mets long term, being used as leverage by top free agents will leave the club with some issues to address in 2024.
