The New York Mets have had a checkered history signing superstar free agent pitchers in recent years, but they’re apparently going after one of this offseason’s prized hurlers.
MLB.com reports that Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto will become a free agent. His Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Orix Buffaloes, posted the right-hander Sunday.
Yamamoto has been a beast in Japan, winning three straight Sawamura Awards, Japan’s equivalent to the Cy Young Award. The 25-year-old pitcher has put up video-game like numbers during that span, highlighted by a 1.44 ERA.
So Yamamoto is going to be a red-hot free agent this offseason. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the Mets “are said to be enamored with” Yamamoto.
They’re expected to have plenty of company. MLB.com reports that at least seven other teams have been “linked” to Yamamoto: the Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Red Sox, Tigers and Yankees.
The Mets might have a couple of incentives in their favor. Former Japanese ace Kodai Senga, who just finished his first season with the Mets, has reportedly told team executives he would like to pitch with Yamamoto, according to The Athletic. The report also noted Yamamoto would like to play in a big market.
