With the MLB offseason primed to go full swing here soon, the New York Yankees and New York Mets seem ready to be big players in the services of one of the biggest international free agents this winter.
According to Danny Abriano and Alex Smith of SNY.tv, the Bombers and Mets are rumored to be “strong contenders” for the services of Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Orix Buffaloes once he becomes available. However, the general belief is the Yankees are currently leading their Big Apple counterparts as Andy Martino, also of SNY mentions that the Mets will probably have a “tougher time” signing the 25-year-old Yamamoto.
With Yamamoto set to receive in the vicinity of $200M according to MLB.com, it’s unsurprising that both the Yankees and Mets are set to enter the Yamamoto sweepstakes given the desperate need both clubs have for arms heading into the 2024 season. Last season, Gerrit Cole was the only Yankees pitcher with at least 10 starts and a sub-4.00 ERA after Carlos Rodón battled injuries and inconsistencies in his first season in the Bronx.
After signing a six-year, $162M deal, Rodón finished 2024 with a forgettable 6.65 ERA and allowed 113 hits in 89.1 innings over 16 starts.
Meanwhile, the Mets are looking to move on after an absolute disaster of a season in 2024 that saw them trading away two of their top starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer while rolling out MLB’s highest total payroll of $353,546,854M.
Yamamoto has the potential to beont-end starter. Over seven NPB seasons, he posted a 1.82 ERA with 922 strikeouts and 633 hits a a dominating frllowed over 897 innings in 172 appearances.