One of the most-awaited free agents on the market, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is taking a bit too much time to decide on a club of his choice, as it seems. Lately, reports of him meeting up with rival East Coast teams and being consistent with his decision to not reveal intentions regarding particularities he expects to be on the deal emerged. However, one of the two New York-based teams in persuasion, the Mets, in spite of their owner’s deliberate pursuit, has reportedly started looking elsewhere in search of pitchers.

The Mets have been pretty clear about their willingness to make Yamamoto a part of their roster since the time his Japanese WBC teammate revealed a wish to play with the ace under the team’s banner. That, added to the owner’s recent decision, makes it difficult to sort out why exactly the team is looking at other prospects. A major sports media platform revealed the details of the reason today. 

The New York Mets are scouting elite pitching prospects, excluding Yamamoto

According to Jon Heyman of The Post, the Queens have “checked in” on every available top starter in the free agency market, and the list is quite big. Starting with Brandon Woodruff, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Lucas Giolito, and Shota Imanaga, the Metsies are intent on leaving no stone unturned. The free agent right-hander, Woodruff, in particular, is at the top of their list, per recent reports. And for good reasons.

Despite his apparent unavailability for the 2024 season, per SNY, Woodruff is at the top of the New York Mets list of prospects because of his consistent pitching record since 2020. He posted an ERA as low as 2.76, racking up a WHIP of 0.98, striking out 566 in the 473.1 innings pitched, with a strikeout rate of 11 per nine.

The same source predicted a two-year deal for Woodruff. If the New York Mets can get themselves to clinch the ace, it will give them leverage post-2024, considering they provide the pitcher with some security as he recovers. What does their present pitching lineup look like, which made them go after Yamamoto in the first place?

Watch This Story: Mets Gear Up For Yamamoto Showdown: Going All In Amidst Intense Yankees Pursuit

Ruminating a Japanese future

Kodai Senga is the only reliable pitcher in their lineup who has a contract beyond the next season. He was instrumental to the team’s initiation of pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom owner Steve Cohen had personally discussed his possible Mets future with.

After Senga’s demand to clinch Yamamoto for the Mets’ roster and the team’s various tactics to win the ace over, Cohen took things into his own hands. Mets Hot Stove revealed that “Steve Cohen is in the process of making a very serious offer,” following their Saturday dinner party.

Read More: How the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers Are Courting Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Whether the team will go with Yoshi or Woodruff, (or any of the above-mentioned starting pitchers), is something only time will decide. Let us know your backup of choice for the Mets’ Yamamoto persuasion in the comments below!