Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Forget the Yankees, here are 18 reasons why he should choose Mets
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has now become the coveted prize of free agency heading into the 2024 Major League Baseball season.
Both the Mets and Yankees are heavily invested in landing the 25-year-old right-hander from Japan. The Mets' need for a top-end starting pitcher underscores that quest to bring Yamamoto on board.
Many of the league's high-profile teams are expected to bid for the services of Yamamoto, including the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, Cubs and Phillies, but the two New York teams are believed to be near the top of the list.
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So what can the Mets offer that the Yankees can't? Here are 18 things that could pique Yamamoto's interest in Queens:
1. Steve Cohen's deep pockets
The Mets owner has shown a willingness to spend in his first three seasons leading the franchise. A record $353 million payroll heading into the 2023 season serves as evidence. And when it comes to getting his guy, Cohen spares no expense.
2. Comfort with a countryman
Being the only player in the clubhouse to speak Japanese might feel isolating. An instant shared culture with Kodai Senga could help ease the challenging transition to the United States while building each other up for stronger performance.
3. Ace in the hole
The Yankees already have a bona fide ace in Gerrit Cole, who was the unanimous American League Cy Young winner last season. Yamamoto instantly enters the conversation as the Mets' No. 1 starter — and perhaps Opening Day option — if he pens his name with the Mets.
4. A chance to end the drought
Sometimes ending a championship drought helps prop you up in the minds of fans that much more. The Mets have not won a World Series title in 37 seasons, and if Yamamoto were to help bring one, he would certainly reach hero status. The Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Giants and Cubs have all won on this side of the millennium.
5. Mets royalty
There are 22 numbers that are retired in the Yankees organization. Compare that to just eight by the Mets — with two more to come next summer. It might be a little easier to rise on the pantheon of all-time Mets greats if Yamamoto settles on playing in Flushing.
6. A pitcher's park
Short porch? Doesn't exist in Citi Field. The third-most home runs in MLB were hit at Yankee Stadium last season. Citi Field's cavernous dimensions to the corners helped it yield the 12th fewest home runs in the league in 2023.
7. Be a part of the build
Yamamoto would be just a piece of the excitement coming to Flushing. Soon enough, there might be a hotel, casino and music venue right across the street if Cohen has his way with an appealing proposal.
8. A few more shows in town
The thrills don't have to stop on the baseball field for Yamamoto. He'll get a chance to walk across the street to catch the best tennis players in the world at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the late summer. NYCFC has a state-of-the-art stadium coming around the corner, as well.
9. Quick trip home
Need to catch a flight back overseas? LaGuardia Airport is right next door and John F. Kennedy International Airport is in Queens, as well.
10. Part of the core?
Want to build relationships with your teammates moving forward? The Mets have their vision set on the future, and Yamamoto would have an opportunity to grow with Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio and some of the other young prospects, including Luisangel Acuña and Drew Gilbert to build a special foundation.
11. It's the most diverse borough
The chance to get acclimated quickly could come easier in Queens, which is the most diverse borough in New York City.
12. A business decision
The contract is expected have plenty of zeroes, but what better way to maximize your earning potential than rubbing shoulders with Cohen, who brings an estimated net worth of $16 billion to the table?
13. Have a little fun
Beard or goatee? Yamamoto can't have one in the Bronx. Inking with the Mets would allow him a little more self-expression.
14. Get in the lab
The Mets' pitching lab opened last summer with all the bells and whistles necessary to tweak mechanics and bring the most polished delivery to the mound. If things start to go off the rails, this tool can help to reel it back in.
15. Just hand it off to Edwin Diaz
Yoshinobu is used to going deep into games, but what could provide more comfort than handing the ball off to Edwin Diaz to close out a victory in the ninth inning?
16. Get your own burger
Pete Alonso has the "Polar Burger," but with Shake Shack in center field at Citi Field, why not give the newest ace a chance to make his mark with an individualized piece of American cuisine?
17. Going big
Cohen knows no bounds and continues to take the Mets to the next level of innovation. Last season, it was adding the biggest scoreboard in all of MLB, along with a speakeasy club in right field. Let your imagination run wild for what's to come.
18. Superstar shortstop
With his two Gold Gloves and four All-Star appearances, Francisco Lindor would instantly give Yamamoto a little bit of peace of mind in the left side of the infield. Lindor, who is signed through 2031, has shown a helping hand in getting new players comfortable in Queens. He's also driven in 205 runs over the last two seasons.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Why free agent should sign with NY Mets over Yankees
