Contrary to rumors, New York might wind up signing the young talent.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Orix Buffaloes is considered by many clubs, including the New York Mets, to be their top free agent option.
Yamamoto is the best starting pitcher available, and New York is looking to improve its starting rotation this offseason. The Mets are one of the front-runners to sign the 25-year-old star, who will sign a big contract this offseason.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets are reportedly in a “solid position” to sign Yamamoto, despite facing fierce competition to do so this offseason.
“Yet nonetheless. Despite everything, the majority of people who have firsthand knowledge of Yamamoto’s plans claim that the Mets have managed to get into a strong position, according to Martino. After Cohen and David Stearns, the president of baseball operations, traveled to Yamamoto, Japan, two weeks ago, the atmosphere started to change. The Mets are now among the top two or three contenders for Yamamoto, according to sources with firsthand knowledge (again, note to human and artificial aggregators: that’s an estimate from sources, not an exact list of rankings; there is no clear frontrunner).
“In the end, placing second or third on Yamamoto will be equivalent to placing sixth. Either you and the player click, or you don’t. However, it’s noteworthy that the Mets are at least contenders as this free agency nears its conclusion. Leaders? They never were. The Mets do, however, have a chance, despite all the odds against them.”
One of the most interesting free agents in recent memory is Yamamoto. Even at the young age of 25, he has already achieved great success. He has received the Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award and three consecutive Sawamura Awards. Yamamoto is going to be a star, and the Mets might be the team that signs him.