New York Yankees reportedly targeting major player from New York Mets NLCS team but it’s not Pete Alonso
In recent rumors swirling around New York baseball, the Yankees are reportedly eyeing a key player from the New York Mets’ 2023 National League Championship Series (NLCS) roster, but surprisingly, it’s not Pete Alonso, the Mets’ star slugger who has been the subject of many trade talks over the past few years. Instead, the player the Yankees are pursuing appears to be a member of the Mets’ pitching staff — and not just any pitcher, but someone who could have a major impact on the Yankees’ rotation moving forward. This revelation has intrigued both fanbases and analysts, as the potential move could shake up both teams in significant ways.
### The Mets’ Pitching Depth
During the 2023 season, the Mets boasted one of the most talented pitching staffs in the league, featuring ace Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and a solid mix of younger arms. While Scherzer and Verlander may have garnered most of the attention due to their names and experience, it was the younger, often overlooked members of the Mets’ pitching rotation that caught the eye of Yankees scouts.
One name that stands out in this conversation is **Kodai Senga**, the Japanese right-hander who made a successful transition to MLB in 2023. Senga quickly became one of the Mets’ most reliable starters, boasting an electric fastball and a devastating ghost forkball that helped him rack up strikeouts and consistently keep opposing batters off balance. His ability to generate swings and misses, combined with his poise on the mound, made him a standout in a rotation that was often inconsistent throughout the season.
Though Senga’s first season in New York had its ups and downs, his overall performance was encouraging. He finished the year with a solid ERA, and his underlying metrics — such as strikeout rate, walk rate, and WHIP — suggested that he could continue to improve in the coming years. His presence in the Mets’ rotation during their playoff push was crucial, and his contributions will likely be a cornerstone of their staff moving forward. However, the Mets are currently in a phase of transition, with rumors circulating about potential shakeups in the roster and coaching staff. If the Yankees are truly targeting Senga, it might signal a shift in priorities for both clubs.
### Why the Yankees Are Interested
The Yankees’ starting rotation has been an area of concern in recent seasons. While ace Gerrit Cole remains one of the best pitchers in the game, the team has struggled to find consistent depth behind him. With players like Luis Severino and Nestor Cortés facing injury setbacks, the Yankees have found themselves scrambling to fill out their rotation with reliable arms.
Adding a player like Senga could provide the Yankees with the stability they need in the middle of their rotation. His ability to miss bats, coupled with his experience pitching in high-pressure situations, makes him an attractive option for a Yankees team that has postseason aspirations year after year. Moreover, the Yankees have a strong tradition of developing international talent, and Senga, with his fastball-slider-ghost forkball combination, could thrive in the Bronx, benefiting from the club’s focus on pitching development and advanced analytics.
Furthermore, Senga’s contract situation may make him more appealing to the Yankees. As of 2024, Senga is under a relatively affordable deal, which could give the Yankees both the flexibility to make other moves in the future and the chance to improve their rotation without breaking the bank. In contrast to a high-cost player like Alonso, Senga presents a more manageable financial commitment for the Yankees, especially considering their luxury tax concerns and the need to bolster their pitching staff without depleting their farm system.
### What the Mets Might Want
On the flip side, the Mets would likely want to address their pitching depth if they were to part with Senga. Given the Mets’ current state of flux — with owner Steve Cohen not hesitating to invest in the team but also looking to make strategic changes for the long term — trading Senga could be an option if it brings back the right assets. The Mets have been linked to rebuilding efforts, and while they may not want to completely strip down their roster, acquiring young talent in exchange for a high-performing pitcher like Senga could fit their long-term goals.
The Yankees’ farm system, which has been a consistent source of trade capital, could offer the Mets a solid return. Players like **Jason Dominguez**, the top-ranked outfield prospect, or **Austin Wells**, a promising catcher, could entice the Mets as they look to build for the future. The Yankees’ willingness to part with high-level prospects might make a trade more palatable for the Mets, as they look to replenish their farm system while remaining competitive.
### A Potential Blockbuster Trade?
If the Yankees are indeed targeting Senga, it would represent a rare instance of the crosstown rivals working out a trade. Historically, the Mets and Yankees have not been frequent trade partners, but with both teams focused on winning now and in the future, the situation could change.
A trade involving Senga could have significant implications for both teams. For the Yankees, it would provide a solid and reliable arm to compete for a championship in 2024 and beyond. For the Mets, it could serve as the beginning of a new phase, focusing on building around younger talent and setting the stage for future success.
Ultimately, if the Yankees are serious about adding a pitcher from the Mets’ NLCS roster, it seems clear that Kodai Senga would be the most likely candidate — and if a deal is made, it would certainly be one of the most fascinating cross-town trades in recent memory.
