The New York Mets seem to have thrown in the towel for their season in 2023. With a losing record so far that sees them languishing at the bottom of the NL East, their chances to make it to the postseason appear to be grim. But despite the dismal record in 2023, the story of next season is a different one altogether. And with a new season come the chances of a new signing.

The New York Mets’ elite pitching era appears to be drawing to a close. With the franchise trading away their one-two punch of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander on the trade deadline, it appears that the Mets will need to rebuild their bullpen rotation. And while the off-season is still a little ways away, the discussions have certainly already begun. And some current Mets could even have a part to play.

Could The New York Mets Bid For This Star Pitcher?

The Mets are no strangers to signing overseas players. Kodai Senga arrived from Japan last off-season on a five-year, $75 million dollar deal and if he is to be asked, there might be another on the way.

Speaking to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Senga revealed that he would be more than willing to help along negotiations if the Mets were looking for pitching reinforcement. Particularly with respect to signing a young Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who currently plies his trade for the Orix Buffaloes.

Said Senga, “I have known him since he was 20 years old. He’s been at the top level since he was very young, and I know he has a ton of talent. He is an amazing player.” The New York Mets have just lost two star assets from their mound rotation and will certainly be looking to improve it in 2024.

And while they may look around the league for potential free agents, signing Yamamoto could be helped along simply because of Senga. “He still has the rest of the season to get through, healthy hopefully, and the posting system,” said the pitcher. “I think once that goes through, the team might ask me and Yamamoto might ask me as well, and I would like to speak to both of them.”

Who is Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is currently a part of the Orix Buffaloes mound rotation. Playing in the Nippon Pacific League, Yamamoto has held onto the Pacific League MVP Award for the past two seasons and also snagged the ERA crown along with it. Yamamoto’s pitching could be an effective tool that the Mets are looking to add.

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At only 25 years old, Yamamoto would be part of the top international prospects on offer in 2024, and the Mets could be looking to make a big splash. Yamamoto has compiled an 11-5 record this season with a 1.50 ERA. With 123 strikeouts to his name, Yamamoto is an effective pitcher. And with the star pitcher in form this season too, the Mets will be more than happy to have added the star.

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