Mets Linked To Cy Young Award Winner, Star Closer If They Don't Land Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Would this plan help make the Mets contenders in 2024?

The New York Mets are in an interesting spot this offseason. 

New York is one of a handful of clubs heavily pursuing Orix Buffaloes star Yoshinobu Yamamoto. No one seems to know where he will land. Some have pegged the Mets as the favorite to land him, some have claimed the New York Yankees are the top dog, some have said there is no way he doesn't sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and some even have floated the Boston Red Sox.

At this point, there is truly no way to know where Yamamoto will land. The Mets would love to have him and will do everything they can to get a deal done but ultimately may miss out on him. 

If they do miss out on Yamamoto, the New York Post's Jon Heyman suggested a hypothetical backup plan could include signing former San Diego Padres hurlers Blake Snell and Josh Hader along with former Milwaukee Brewers stud Brandon Woodruff. 

"If they don’t get Yamamoto, they need to shoot for Snell or Hader, preferably both, plus (Brandon Woodruff), an ace who fits nicely since he’ll be ready to go in 2025, the Mets’ real target date," Heyman said. "Snell and Hader were the best starter and reliever in (Major League Baseball) last year, and combined, coincidentally they may cost the same $350 million Yamamoto should cost by himself (including the $50 million or so posting fee).

"Maybe I’m residing in a fantasy world, but that’s the advantage of a Cohen-owned team. The Snell-Hader combo would improve their rotation from below par to contention worthy and their pen from a one-man show to outstanding."

If the Mets were to miss out on Yamamoto, landing Snell and Hader would be a quick way to improve the club for the 2024 season. Snell is a two-time Cy Young Award winner and immediately would give the Mets the No. 1 starter they are looking for. Hader arguably is the best reliever in baseball right now and would form a fearsome duo with Edwin Díaz. Woodruff won't pitch in 2024 but could help the club in 2025.

First, the Mets will have to see how the Yamamoto sweepstakes shakes out, but they should be putting contingency plans in place just in case he signs elsewhere.