Morning Briefing: Imai, Okamoto Deadlines Coming

Good morning, Mets fans! Do you think the Mets will nab a free agent starter?

The posting window for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai closes on Friday, MLB Trade Rumors reminds us, which could make the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day busier than usual. Not just because teams may be vying to sign the 27-year-old who pitched to a 1.92 ERA and led the Japan Pacific League in strikeout rate this year, but also because an Imai deal could lead to other starting pitcher signings.

Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt are all still without a home for the holidays.

MLB TR projected a six-year, $150 million contract for Imai. The Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, Orioles and Giants have been linked to Imai in reports. The Mets are reportedly reluctant to make long-term deals with starters.

The deadline to sign 1B-3B Kazuma Okamoto (.327/.416/.598 with 15 homers in 293 plate appearances in the Japan Central League this year) is Jan. 4. He has not been linked to the Mets.

Latest Mets News

Baseball America’s Matt Eddy wrote about how the Mets built one of the most productive farm systems in baseball. The Mets had three full-season affiliates qualify for the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2014. The group of prospects that played in the Mets’ minor leagues in 2013-2014 included Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto, Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield wrote up an interesting piece on one 2025 stat that will “make or break” every National League team in 2026. For the Mets, he picked 796 – the number of innings thrown by starters in 2025, which averages to 4.9 innings per game and ranked 27th in MLB.

Over in The Athletic, Jayson Stark’s annual “strange but true” article points out that the Mets were once 21 games over .500 (45-24) and didn’t make the playoffs. (We are aware.) New York is the first National League team to get that far over .500 that early or earlier and miss the postseason in the wild card era.

On Foul Territory TV, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says the Mets and Yankees are the teams under the most pressure entering 2026. “Because (the Mets) deconstructed, they are under a great deal of pressure,” he said.

Yordan Rodriguez, the 17-year-old acquired from the Athletics for Jeff McNeil, looked good in a bullpen session in the Dominican Republic posted to X by baseball reporter Francys Romero.

Romero also reported that the Mets will likely look to make a trade for international bonus pool money in the coming days. This comes after shortstop prospect Wandy Asigen agreed to sign with the Mets for a bonus in the $3.8 million range. The 16-year-old had agreed to sign with the Yankees before the Mets jumped in. The 2026 signing period opens Jan. 15.

Latest on MMO

Kai Chang profiles free agent outfielder Austin Hays, who hit .319/.400/.549 in 91 at-bats vs. lefties in 2025. He recommends the Mets check in.

Andrew Steele-Davis wonders (as we all do) if the new-look 2026 Mets will be an improvement.

On This Date in Mets History

2001: The Mets trade pitcher Kevin Appier to the Angels for Mo Vaughn. The former MVP finishes his career by hitting 29 homers over two seasons in New York.

Born on This Date: Addison Reed (1988), Rick Porcello (1988), David Aardsma (1981), Jeff D’Amico (1975), Raúl González (1973), Bobby Klaus (1937).

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