Mets Reportedly 'Real Contender' To Land Star Pitcher This Offseason

New York could actually land its man in the not-so-distant future

It sounds like the New York Mets have a real shot at drastically improving their starting rotation.

New York has plenty of money to spend and open roster spots for possible free-agent acquisitions. The Mets already have brought in former New York Yankees All-Star Luis Severino, but the club still needs another top-of-the-rotation arm.

The Mets -- like more than half of the Major League Baseball clubs -- have been heavily pursuing Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old is one of the most intriguing free agents in years and will receive a massive contract this offseason.

New York has the most money to spend and after missing out on Juan Soto and likely Shohei Ohtani it looks like it is making Yamamoto its top priority. There's no way for sure to know where he will land, but the Mets reportedly are a "real contender" to land Yamamoto, according to SNY's Andy Martino.

"The Mets are a real contender for Yamamoto," Martino said. "Talking to his people, they're taking the Mets' candidacy seriously -- so this is something to watch, but not something to watch within the next few days or even potentially the week."

It sounds like the Mets will have to wait some time until they know if they land the young star, but it certainly is a positive sign that they continue to be mentioned so highly for him. 

Mets owner Steve Cohen recently traveled and met with Yamamoto face-to-face to discuss the club. Maybe he can get a deal done soon.