Mets Not Interested in Other Top Pitching Free Agents

Much conjecture surrounds the New York Mets’ plans for the offseason, but it appears that one player will have to decide whether to play or not.

Right now, some believe the New York Mets are the favorites to sign Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and they are among the finalists to sign him.

The starting pitcher has had two meetings with the owner, Steve Cohen, who is undoubtedly financially capable of paying Yamamoto the estimated $300 million price tag.

The Mets’ offseason approach has undoubtedly changed from previous years when they threw a ton of cash at free agents.

David Stearns, the new president of baseball operations, appears to be aware that they won’t be contenders in 2024 and is focusing on the future rather than making big purchases at this time.

What would happen then if Yamamoto isn’t chosen as New York’s target?

It was originally believed that in an effort to acquire at least one starting pitcher, they would switch their focus to the other top starters on the market.

But according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, that may not be the case.

It’s important to note that while the Mets would be pleased to provide Yamamoto a long-term, nine-figure contract, they don’t seem to have the same feelings about Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, who are regarded as the next best starters available. Without the same potential in the long run, those pitchers are five years older than Yamamoto “writes the author.

That is undoubtedly fascinating.

The 36-year-old Max Scherzer received a three-year, $130 million contract with the Mets in 2021, and the 40-year-old Justin Verlander received a two-year, $86.66 million contract in 2022.

As they start to assemble this group, they appear to want to avoid giving Yamamoto a big contract.