Paul Kasabian
The New York Mets are keeping their options wide open as they pursue superstar Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. If they can’t secure his services, they reportedly are ready to pivot to reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
“Snell went 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA and 234 strikeouts over 32 starts. He didn’t allow a run in five of his last six starts and was one of the bright spots for the Padres in a disappointing season. However, he’s only pitched 130 innings or more in two of his eight seasons, although he did win a Cy Young Award both years (2018 with Tampa Bay and this year with San Diego). Snell’s market has been quiet but most team executives believe that if Yamamoto declines the Mets’ offer, they will pivot to Snell,” Jim Bowden of The Athletic relayed the report.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Yamamoto has met with the Mets, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants. Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns have even flown out to Japan to meet with Yamamoto. The Boston Red Sox are also expected to meet with Yamamoto, and the Toronto Blue Jays are among “two or three more teams” who will “likely meet with him.”
Cohen has deep pockets, and it’s reported that he isn’t afraid to spend, as evidenced by a 2023 payroll near $350 million. So outspending the competition probably shouldn’t be an issue, even if his contract could approach $300 million, as previously reported by Jayson Stark of The Athletic.
For now, the Yamamoto watch is on in New York as the Mets hope he chooses to play in Queens.
Read More