New York Mets Show Interest in Lucas Giolito, Seemingly Switch Focus From Japanese Ace Despite Strong Links

It’s surprising how much the strategy of the New York Mets differs from last year. While they spent money like there’s no tomorrow last season, the Amazin’ Mets are being much more modest this offseason. Nevertheless, the franchise has been linked with several pitchers, including Shota Imanaga. But the Mets are moving past those links and focusing on Lucas Giolito as the answer to their troubles.

While Imanaga remains a desired target, the sheer competition for the ace is enough for the Mets to keep their options open. With the need for a pitcher growing increasingly profound, how can their new target solve many of the Mets’ woes?

The New York Mets find their next target in Lucas Giolito

The New York Mets did it all for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Even after matching the Los Angeles Dodgers’ offer, the Mets failed to convince the young ace. With the need for a pitcher getting stronger, the Mets have decided to go after Lucas Giolito. As The New York Post reported, “The Mets are showing strong interest in the right-hander, whose top selling point might be his ability to consume innings.”

The former Chicago White Sox player had a mixed 2023, experiencing instability due to constant changes in his scenery. During the first half, he remained with the White Sox but then amidst personal life turmoil he got traded twice. This led to Giolito’s numbers declining, but even then the pitcher managed to throw 184 ⅓ innings. 

Giolito’s strength lies in his durability. The pitcher’s ability to throw an absurd number of innings every year can make him a big asset for any team. At the same time, he got votes for Cy Young Awards in 2021. At just 29, there’s potential here that the Mets can surely exploit. With the Queens-based franchise already having Kodai Senga as the first-choice starter, Guilito can provide adequate support to the ace.

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Though Giolito has also been linked with the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, the competition for him is much lower than Shota Imanaga, another player linked with the Mets.

Why Giolito could prove more beneficial than Imanaga

Imanaga is slowly becoming a prime target for many teams. With the New York Yankees and possibly Philadelphia Phillies in the race, there’s no guarantee that the Mets will sign him. At the same time, even with a great record in NPB, Imanaga is still unproven in MLB.

Giolito is a proven player; though his career ERA of 4.43 is relatively high his role is to provide stability. At the same time at 29, he’s younger than Imanaga and a lot less risky, especially if reports of him looking for a one-year contract are true.  So one can see why the Mets are looking closely at this pitcher.

Read more: With Dylan Cease’s Trade Imminent, Shota Imanaga Could Be a Lifeline for the White Sox