After MLB lockout, 3 potential landing spots for Yusei Kikuchi

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May 27, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; General view as New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) bats against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Mets could be a potential landing spot for Yusei Kikuchi

While the Chicago Cubs have been linked to Kikuchi for perhaps the longest of any team, there is more smoke around the Mets and Kikuchi rumors heading into the lockout than there was with the Cubs.

In fact, MLB insider Jon Heyman piqued some interest on the day the lockout went into effect, tweeting that the Mets and Toronto Blue Jays both had interest in Kikuchi. He also said that Kikuchi had three-year offers on the table, but it was not clear from which teams those offers originated.

Kikuchi would certainly be an interesting fit for the Mets. The franchise has already landed Max Scherzer this offseason and he is expected to lead the rotation alongside Jacob deGrom. Carlos Corrasco and Taijuan Walker are expected to fill the middle of the rotation, but that’s where adding Kikuchi into the mix would, in theory, strengthen what comes on the mound after the two-headed monster of deGrom and Scherzer.

Would a three-year deal for Kikuchi fit into New York’s salary structure? Depending on what the new Collective Bargaining Agreement looks like, it is very possible.

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