New York Mets Can Still Make a 'Noisy' Move This Offseason

The New York Mets could make a move for a Japanese pitcher to add depth to their rotation.

This offseason for the New York Mets hasn't been much. Steve Cohen made it clear at the deadline in 2023 that the team didn't have plans to compete in 2024 and the offseason has reflected that.

Despite the marginal moves, the Mets have been in positions to land big-name free agents.

Cohen had Yoshinobu Yamamoto over for dinner at his Connecticut home but didn't get the deal done. Still, it's a positive sign that they're interested in adding a player to help them, even if they don't plan on competing in '24.

MLB.com notes that New York's a team that can still make a noisy move after being quiet in the early parts of the offseason.

Shota Imanaga is a move that makes sense for the team, says Anthony Castrovince.

"Though not as young and high-upside as Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga profiles as a viable mid-rotation option who would pair nicely with the Mets’ previous (and quite successful) international investment in Kodai Senga."

While Imanaga isn't at the same level of talent as Yamamoto, he's someone who could help the rotation. Mostly due to their lack of depth, the Mets have one of the worst rotations in baseball at the moment. Adding an arm is a necessity as they get closer to Spring Training.

Other teams have been linked to the left-handed pitcher, including the New York Yankees. However, the Yankees reportedly don't have much interest in him due to being a fly-ball pitcher.

The 30-year-old posted an ERA of 2.80 and a WHIP of 1.054 during this past season in Nippon Professional Baseball. He struck out 174 and walked just 24 hitters over 148 innings pitched. He did give up 24 home runs, which is concerning, but one that teams are aware of. 

He makes an average Mets rotation better and that could be the deciding factor in them making this move.