Mets Reportedly Are In 'Solid Position' To Land Young Superstar This Winter

New York actually could end up landing the young star despite speculation

The New York Mets -- like many other clubs -- are viewing Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto as their top choice in free agency. 

New York is looking to improve its starting rotation this offseason and Yamamoto is the best starting pitcher available. The 25-year-old star will land a massive deal this offseason and the Mets are among the favorites to land his services.

Although the Mets will have stiff competition to land Yamamoto this offseason, New York reportedly is in a "solid position" to sign him, according to SNY's Andy Martino. 

"And yet. Despite all this, most sources with direct knowledge of Yamamoto’s intentions say that the Mets have somehow climbed into a solid position," Martino said. "The vibe began to shift after Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns visited Yamamoto in Japan two weeks ago. Now, sources with direct knowledge put the Mets in the top two or three candidates for Yamamoto (note to aggregators, human and artificial: that’s an estimate from sources, not an exact list of rankings; there is no clear frontrunner).

"Ultimately, finishing second or third on Yamamoto will be the same as finishing sixth. You either get the player or you don’t. But it’s notable that, as this free agency rounds its final turn, the Mets are at least contenders. Frontrunners? They never have been. But somehow, despite all the factors working against them, the Mets do have a chance."

Yamamoto is one of the most intriguing free agents in recent memory. He is just 25 years old and already is extremely accomplished. He's won three straight Sawamura Awards and Pacific League Most Valuable Player Awards. Whoever lands Yamamoto is going to be getting a star and it could be the Mets.