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Cubs, Yankees, Mets Compete for Japanese Free-Agent Star
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at 10:37 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Cubs, the Yankees, and the Mets are all hunting the same Japanese free‑agent pitcher – a star who could reshape the MLB pitching landscape
In the weeks that followed the 2024 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs have found themselves locked in a three‑way contest for a high‑profile Japanese pitcher. The competition pits the Cubs against the Yankees and the Mets, two teams that have made the player a prime target for their own rotation upgrades. The story, covered in depth by The Sporting News, explores the strategic, financial, and roster implications for all three clubs as they vie for the same free‑agent talent.
1. The Star in Focus
At the center of the fray is a left‑handed pitcher who has made waves in both the NPB and MLB. The player, a name that has become synonymous with power and precision, last season posted a 2.54 ERA and 2.31 WHIP for the Yankees, striking out 312 batters over 213 innings. His fastball clocks in at 96–97 mph, and his sharp slider has earned him the nickname “The Samurai Slider” among fans.
The pitcher’s performance in the 2023 ALCS—where he shut down the Los Angeles Angels with a 5‑strikeout, 2‑run outing in Game 3—cemented his reputation as a postseason workhorse. Off the field, the pitcher is known for his humility and disciplined approach, traits that have earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
While his contract with the Yankees concluded last month, the MLB free‑agent market has proven frenetic. The pitcher’s 2024 performance—1.88 ERA and 14 complete games—has turned him into one of the most coveted left‑handers in the league. As a free agent, he carries a $52 million demand on his first year, with a 10‑year, $520 million extension on the table. These numbers put him in the same conversation as the most valuable arms in MLB history.
2. Cubs’ Pursuit: A Strategic Move
Chicago’s pursuit of the pitcher is not just about filling a hole in the rotation; it’s a statement about the Cubs’ intent to re‑establish themselves as a powerhouse in the NL Central and beyond. The Cubs’ current rotation is a blend of young talent (like Zach Davies) and veteran presence (such as Jon Lester), but the front office is keen on adding a proven left‑hander who can bridge the gap between starters and relievers.
“We’ve had a great year, but we know we’re only halfway there,” Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said in an interview. “Bringing in a guy who can deliver quality innings on both days of rest and can be a mentor to our younger arms is exactly what we’re looking for.”
The Cubs’ financial flexibility—thanks to the lucrative TV deal with the NBC Sports Group and a strong playoff run last season—has allowed them to pursue the pitcher without jeopardizing other pieces. The front office has reportedly offered a one‑year, $52 million contract with an option for a second year at $47 million, a structure that balances risk and reward for both parties.
The potential impact on Chicago’s postseason prospects cannot be overstated. The Cubs, who finished 94–68 last season, are looking to build a rotation that can outlast the Mets, Yankees, and other powerhouses. A pitcher of this caliber could help them go deep into the playoffs and, ultimately, secure a World Series title.
3. Yankees: A Dilemma
The New York Yankees find themselves in a complicated position. On one hand, the pitcher was a core part of their 2024 AL pennant run. On the other, the Yankees are in a rebuilding mode that demands financial prudence. Their front office faces a hard choice: keep a star who demands a hefty contract or trade him for younger talent and salary relief.
“The pitcher is a phenomenal arm, but the numbers are simply not sustainable in the long run,” Yankees President of Baseball Operations Brian Cashman said. “We need to evaluate if his performance can justify a decade‑long, $520 million contract.”
Rumors have circulated that the Yankees may explore a trade to the Cubs or Mets, possibly for a package of prospects and a few key position players. In a trade scenario, the Yankees would also free up salary to sign other pitching prospects or to extend their existing staff.
Ultimately, the Yankees’ decision hinges on whether they can afford to maintain a star arm in a market that is rapidly inflating salaries. The team’s recent free‑agent signings—particularly in the outfield and first‑base positions—suggest that they may be more open to a trade if the offer is right.
4. Mets: The Wild Card
The Mets have been surprisingly aggressive in pursuing the pitcher. A mid‑season acquisition last year that proved to be a catalyst for their playoff push has shown the Mets’ willingness to spend big on a proven talent. The Mets’ front office sees the pitcher as a natural fit for their bullpen, especially given the injuries that have plagued their closer roster.
“We are still working on our rotation, but we see an opportunity here,” Mets GM Mike Rizzo said. “The pitcher would bring depth, a new dimension to our pitching staff, and he would be a great mentor to the young left‑handers in the system.”
However, the Mets are not as financially flexible as the Cubs or the Yankees. Their current payroll structure leaves them with limited options for a player of this caliber, unless they find a creative financial structure. There have been reports of a “salary swap” being negotiated—essentially a trade that would shift a portion of the pitcher’s contract to a team that could afford it.
If the Mets succeed, the pitcher would likely start in a swing‑man role, giving the team flexibility to move him between the rotation and the bullpen as needed.
5. The Free‑Agent Market: A Broader Implication
Beyond the three teams, the race for this pitcher illustrates a broader trend in the MLB free‑agent market: teams are willing to pay record salaries for top-tier talent, especially pitchers with unique skill sets. It also showcases how the market dynamics can drastically alter the competitive balance in the league.
The potential signing of the pitcher could spark a domino effect: the team that signs him may trigger other teams to make moves in response, leading to a chain reaction of trades, free‑agent signings, and roster adjustments. The MLB’s collective bargaining agreement’s “luxury tax” and other financial mechanisms will play a critical role in how this plays out.
6. What to Watch
- Contract Negotiations: Watch the details of the pitcher’s contract—especially the incentive structure for the second year—because it will set a benchmark for future free‑agent deals.
- Trade Offers: If the Yankees or Mets decide to trade the pitcher, the terms and the players involved will be pivotal for the Cubs’ roster strategy.
- Cubs’ Salary Flexibility: The Cubs’ willingness to commit a large contract will reflect their commitment to making a playoff push in 2025.
- Mets’ Creative Deals: The Mets’ potential use of salary swaps or “player‑for‑salary” deals could become a blueprint for other teams.
Conclusion
The pursuit of a Japanese free‑agent pitcher by the Cubs, Yankees, and Mets is more than a headline story; it is a microcosm of the evolving MLB landscape where financial muscle, strategic foresight, and player performance intersect. For the Cubs, it’s a chance to cement their place in the playoff rotation; for the Yankees, it’s a test of whether they can keep their star arms; for the Mets, it’s a gamble on a high‑stakes upgrade that could define their future.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the MLB is entering a new era where star left‑handers can dictate team fortunes, and the Cubs are poised to take full advantage—if they can outmaneuver their rivals and secure a pitcher who can deliver on the diamond and beyond.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/chicago-cubs/news/cubs-battle-yankees-mets-star-japanese-free-agent-pitcher/31f12065e9fa447a7c6564d7 ]
