New York Mets continue to add quality pitching depth

The New York Mets remain one of the favorites to add the top free agent pitcher on the market in Trevor Bauer, but in the meantime, the Mets have been active in adding quality pitching depth to stash away in case of emergencies.

The latest addition came via trade with the Miami Marlins, adding RHP Jordan Yamamoto in exchange for minor leaguer Federico Polanco.

New York Mets acquire Jordan Yamamoto from Miami.

Recently designated for assignment by Miami, Yamamoto is coming off a dismal season with the Marlins. Logging just 11.1 innings, Yamamoto finished with an 18.26 ERA, 3.00 WHIP, and eight home runs allowed, walking seven and striking out 13.

Those numbers are far from being “quality pitching depth” but the 24-year-old righty did show some promise during his rookie season back in 2019.

Yamamoto was worth 0.9 fWAR across 15 rookie starts, posting a 4.46 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP despite a 10.4 percent walk rate. His 25 percent strikeout rate and .190 average against helped.

Armed with six different pitches, Yamamoto doesn’t rely on an overpowering fastball (89-91 mph) but he does utilize a number of high-spin pitches and a slider that moves and produces swings and misses. It was that slider that held opponents to a .109 average with a 36 percent whiff rate back in 2019.

Best of all, Yamamoto has youth, a minor league option, and valuable team control. He has one option remaining and is under team control through 2026, meaning the New York Mets can stash him away in Triple-A to use in case of emergencies.

Pitching depth will be key for any team looking to make a deep run this season as teams transition back to what will likely be a 162 game season and the Mets are doing a fine job of ensuring the bullpen/upper levels of their minor league system is stocked full of experienced depth they can feel confident in throwing out on the mound if needed.

Joey Lucchesi appears to have the inside track on the last rotation spot, but the New York Mets now have a collection of Yamamoto, Sean Reid-Foley, and Jerad Eickhoff all available if injuries arise or rotation pieces need an extra day or two of rest. All of these arms have major league experience and at least one high-quality tool they can rely on.

Don’t expect the New York Mets to stop adding talent quite yet, but in the meantime, the addition of Jordan Yamamoto is a low-risk/decent-upside move that brings much-needed pitching depth to a team looking to make a deep run in 2021.