Tatsuya Imai is a talented pitcher who is leaving Japan and coming to the United States. The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Padres are all linked to having interest in the right-handed pitcher. 

At 5’11”, 154 pounds, he can throw between 93-95 MPH most of the time and can dial it up to 99. However, he has a limit of around 160 innings a year. Sound familiar? With Kodai Senga still in the mix, the Mets don’t need yet another pitcher who might survive the long season only to be limited innings-wise in the playoffs. I would steer clear of that. 

Imai, 27, seems like a good complementary pitcher, and the Mets need some innings-eaters like Framber Valdez as an example. They need horses, not more stallions. Chase pitchers who can provide innings since the bullpen is lacking.

Edwin Diaz Must Be Signed

The Mets’ bullpen with Diaz would be hard to rebuild into one that could get them into the playoffs and beyond. If he goes to the Los Angeles Dodgers, you are playing catch-up, and they will once again have the inside track to repeat as World Series Champions. He should be the first player they sign. Then, focus on Pete Alonso just to get back the necessary players who have proven they can shine in New York.

The Mets’ Needs Have To Be Filled

The Mets need outfield help, and it looks like that’s not going to happen in the way of a solid bat. They also need a few starters and a few solid bullpen performers. David Stearns can’t go cheap here. If they do, they will go another year without having a “true” contender, and that seems to go against the edict of Steven Cohen, or his original one. I’m not sure if that has changed. 

Last year was a mess. This year can’t end up like that. Stearns can’t act like he didn’t have a terrible year last year and try to double down on bringing in cheaper, marginal talent. He can’t live off the Juan Soto signing for much longer.