New York Mets Looking At This Hurler In Case They Miss Out On Superstar Free Agent

The New York Mets are ready to pivot if they miss out on their top free agent target.

The New York Mets are heavily pursuing Japanese superstar free agent starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but they are not the only team.

So, if the Mets miss out on Yamamoto, which is possible given the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are listed as the co-favorites to land the star hurler, Steve Cohen and David Stearns could swoop in and sign Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs are all eyeing Imanaga in case they miss out on Yamamoto.

Imanaga, who is 30-years-old, posted a 2.66 ERA across 159 innings in the NPB in 2023. In eight seasons in the NPB, the lefty produced a 3.18 ERA in 165 games (24 starts).

The Mets' offseason hinges on landing Yamamoto, as they desperately need an ace in their rotation. But should they swing and miss on the superstar, Imanaga could be a fallback option, who they are currently looking at.

The Mets already signed Kodai Senga out of Japan last winter on a five-year, $75 million deal. Senga went on to finish as the runner up for the NL Rookie of the Year Award. 

Cohen and Stearns recently traveled out to Japan to meet with Yamamoto and his family. They are unaware if they will meet with him again before he makes a decision. 

The Mets want Yamamoto, but if he signs elsewhere, Imanaga could be a realistic option to come to Queens.