MLB Insider Gives Mets High Chance Of Landing Star Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto

It sounds like the Mets could actually end up landing the young star this offseason

The New York Mets are among the most active teams in their pursuit of Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The 25-year-old is the most sought-after pitcher in free agency right now and one of the most intriguing free agents in years. Yamamoto is extremely talented plus is just 25 years old so he could help any team out for the foreseeable future.

New York has been mentioned on multiple occasions as one of the clubs who have shown interest and owner Steve Cohen even reportedly met with Yamamoto in Japan last week.

It's unclear where Yamamoto ultimately will land, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand said the sweepstakes reportedly will come down to the Mets and New York Yankees.

"The Yankees are competing with a crowded field for Yamamoto, the 25-year-old right-hander who has won three consecutive Pacific League Most Valuable Player awards," Feinsand said. "Mets owner Steve Cohen met with Yamamoto in Japan last week, while the (San Francisco Giants), (Los Angeles Dodgers), and (Toronto Blue Jays) have been among the teams believed to be pursuing Yamamoto.

"'This is going to come down to the Mets and Yankees,' one source said. 'They both think they need him badly -- and they do. Get your popcorn ready. This could be fun.'”

While this doesn't necessarily mean the Mets will land him, the fact that an insider is saying the sweepstakes will come down to the two New York clubs is very interesting. Mets fans will have to wait likely another week to find out, but there's a real possibility Yamamoto will join the club this offseason.