The New York Mets learned a valuable lesson over the last two seasons after overspending on top MLB free agents in their 30s. While it’s changed the Mets’ approach to spending in many ways for the better, it could also deliver disappointing results this winter.
New York was never truly involved in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, with the two-way star always prioritizing teams on the West Coast. Instead, the Mets have devoted the majority of their attention to Japanese right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto stats 2023: 1.16 ERA, 176-28 K-BB, 0.86 WHIP, 6.3 H/9 in 171 innings pitched
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Yamamoto, age 25, is one of the best pitchers in baseball internationally. He’s thrown a no-hitter in each of the past two seasons, while leading the Pacific League in strikeouts and wins for the past three years. After winning the Japanese Triple Crown in three consecutive seasons, Yamamoto is now the most coveted starting pitcher in MLB free agency.
The Mets have been battling against some of the wealthiest clubs in baseball for Yamamoto. New York is joined by the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees as some of the clubs most interested in the Japanese superstar. While the battle seems to be coming down to New York’s teams, failing to sign Yamamoto could have consequences for the Mets.
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets are essentially in Yamamoto-or-bust mode. If the Yankees or another club lands the heralded ace, owner Steve Cohen will reportedly hold off on spending significant money for at least another year.
Related: NL West team may have outbid New York Mets for Yoshinobu Yamamoto with this offer
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto career stats: 986 strikeouts, 0.91 WHIP, 6.2 H/9, 0.3 HR/9, 4.56 SO/BB, 1.72 ERA in 967.2 innings pitched
There will be no pivoting to NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell or another All-Star pitcher available on the open market. Even an option like Lucas Giolotio, one of the riskiest pitchers on the market, could reportedly be too expensive for the Mets’ preferred payroll range.
“The Mets’ roster — particularly the pitching staff — features holes, so they will remain active and spend money. But people familiar with the club’s thinking expect them to continue to dole out one-year or two-year deals here and there.
Will Sammon on the New York Mets’ approach if they don’t sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Instead, New York would pivot to signing short-term deals and take fewer chances on veteran free agents. While that would hurt the Mets’ chances of contending in 2024, it would provide them with the payroll flexibility to pursue Juan Soto next winter.