Mets Could Pursue Intriguing Frontline Starter This Offseason To Bolster Rotation

Should the Mets pursue the intriguing starter this offseason?

The New York Mets have some work to do this offseason.

New York has just 27 players currently on the club's 40-man roster so the team will need to fill those spots this offseason. While some minor league players may be boosted and added to the 40-man roster, New York likely will make a handful of additions, as well. 

The Mets need to improve the starting rotation this offseason. New York traded away Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander and now needs to rebuild. The Mets' top choice this offseason is without a doubt Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto but the club will have plenty of competition for his services. There are some other solid arms available and one player who could end up being a target for the Mets is Yokohama Bay Stars ace Shōta Imanaga, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"The Mets are likely to pursue a number of notable free agents this offseason, and while Yoshinobu Yamamoto figures to be high on their wish list, Imanaga – who is also making a move from Japan to the Majors – could also fit into New York’s plans," Feinsand said. "The 30-year-old posted a 2.66 ERA in 159 innings for the Yokohama Bay Stars in 2023 after starting the championship game for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic."

Imanaga may not have the same upside as Yamamoto, but he still would be a very solid pickup for the Mets. He's just 30 years old and posted a 2.66 ERA in 2023. If the Mets could pair him with Kodai Senga, that would be a solid start to rebuilding the rotation. If the Mets could land another starter as well, they may be on to something.