With Mets Leading the Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sweepstakes, Here Are Some Short-Term Deals to Bolster Their Pitching Depth

The New York Mets are the chief suitors for the Samurai Japan ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But that deal is far from certain due to heavy competition from their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees. Whatever happens in that deal, there is no denying that the Mets desperately need quality pitchers. Even though Yamamoto remains their target, three more pitchers can be held for a short time if the Mets desire.

During the Winter Meetings, Stearns remarked about Yamamoto, “If we don’t get him, we’ll adjust and go down alternate paths”. If that assumption holds true, which starting pitching options are currently available for a one-year contract?

Possible short-term targets of the New York Mets

Even with the potential signing of Yamamoto, it would represent just one addition to a team that requires multiple arms. Presently, the Mets have three pitchers considered locks for the rotation: Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino. To put it succinctly, this falls short of meeting the demands of a full 162-game schedule. 

Hence, the Rising Apple recently posted a list of three players they deem highly suitable for the New York Mets. 

1. Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty has been plagued with injuries after his first two massive seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals. He is similar to Luis Severino, a former Yankee who the Mets recently signed. Both of these players started their careers with a bang. Flaherty had an ERA of 3.34 and 2.75 in 2018 and 2019. After that, injuries took over. 2023 was his first full season since 2019 and he had an ERA of 4.99. Despite Flaherty’s subpar performance in 2023, he remains an appealing low-cost, high-reward option for teams in need of short-term pitching solutions. 

2. James Paxton

Another pitcher who is looking for a career rebuild after a few years of underperformance. Paxton for his first seven years in the Seattle Mariners had an ERA of 3.42 and followed that in the Yankees, where he had an ERA of 3.82 for the first two years. But his performances have dwindled since then due to constant injuries. But he has always shown flashes of excellence and has an immaculate record when it comes to giving walks. Paxton would certainly provide the Mets with a decent option.

3. Hyun-Jin Ryu

Among the three, Hyun-Jin Ryu has seen the highest of peaks. In 2019, he led the league with an ERA of 2.32 and came in second in the Cy Young Award nominations, losing to Jacob deGrom. He was one of the biggest stars during his prime, but things changed after 2020. Ryu hasn’t pitched an entire season since 2021 but remains highly effective whenever available. 

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Even though these pitchers can be held only for a year or two, they can provide the stability that the Mets so severely lack and support Kodai Senga and the rest of their starters.

Read more: As Mets Lead Yoshinobu Yamamoto Race, Competition Heats Up Amidst Rumored $200M Free Agency