After Shohei Ohtani (Angels), another Japanese starting pitcher is attracting attention in the free agent market. This time, it’s not a big leaguer in the Major Leagues, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Orix), a “reserve big leaguer” who has conquered Japan.

US sports publication The Athletic mentioned Yamamoto’s name in two articles on the 13th of this month in anticipation of this winter’s free agency market. 안전놀이터 One was a report that the New York Mets, under owner Steve “Big Hand” Cohen, could target Yamamoto, and the other was a preliminary free agent ranking by columnist Jim Borden.

Through 12 days, Yamamoto is 11-4 with a 1.57 ERA and 118 strikeouts. He ranks first in ERA and wins, and third in strikeouts. Yamamoto’s success in the Premier12 and international tournaments such as the Olympics and World Baseball Classic (WBC) has made him the ace of the Japanese national team.

With Max Scherzer (to Texas) and Justin Verlander (to Houston) off the books, Cohen could be a force to be reckoned with in free agency, according to Ken Rosenthal. However, he doesn’t expect them to invest in older players like Scherzer and Verlander.

The Mets set a franchise record for payroll spending this year, but they missed the postseason, and their new goal is to win a championship after 2025. That means they need players who can play for three years or more, not just one or two. Yamamoto is a free agent who will be 25 years old.

Rosenthal writes, “The best free agent pitcher to fit the Mets’ new goals is Yamamoto, who has yet to pitch in the majors. General manager Billy Eppler watched him at the WBC.”

Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Borden sees Yamamoto as a “low-risk, third starter”. He ranked him ninth in free agency. Sixth among starting pitchers. Ohtani, a starter and designated hitter, is the clear leader, followed by Aaron Nola (Philadelphia), Blake Snell (San Diego), Julio Urias (Dodgers) and Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers).

“I saw Yamamoto pitch at the WBC and was impressed,” said Borden. He looked like a solid third starter who could step into a major league club’s starting rotation and post double-digit wins and a sub-3 ERA. He has excellent command and can put one ball in and one ball out of the strike zone.”

“Yamamoto is a seasoned, sensible, poised pitcher. His fastball sits in the mid-to-low 90s. Throws a five-pitch mix, including a strong splitter and an above-average curveball. Utilises both the top and bottom of the strike zone. Has already won the Triple Crown (ERA, strikeouts, wins) in Japan the last two years.”