Mets have interest in this newly posted NPB left-handed starter.

As we know the Mets have a need, for starting pitching, and with that need in this pitching free-agent class that is weaker than most, it’s tough to figure out which arms to give long-term deals, or just hold off. But according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Mets have “interest” in newly posted LHP Shota Imanaga who dominated the NPB last year posting a 2.77 ERA over 159.0. The southpaw starter has been elite over his NPB career posting a 2.96 career ERA while also being able to give the team’s innings which is why he’s very valuable in this free-agent class. Imanaga is 30 years of age which decreases his value just a tad, but he’s expected to receive a nice payday, according to Morosi, he stated it’s expected that Imanaga’s first big leagues contract could carry an AAV over $20 million per season. MLB Trade Rumors is projecting a 5-year, $85 million contract for the southpaw out of the NPB. With the Mets currently focused on Yamamoto, this could be a pivot, but they could potentially bring in both as we know money isn’t a problem for the Steve Cohen Mets. At the WBC, which uses MLB balls, Shota Imanaga dominated, giving up 2 runs in 6 innings during the tournament, on top of that he also got the W in Japan’s WBC championship-clinching game. Time will show us if the Mets can bring in the international free agent Shota Imanaga.