Coach’s reputation has NY Mets rumors linking them to the best starting pitcher they can sign

It wasn’t long ago that it seemed all but certain the Los Angeles Dodgers would win another free agent battle. Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki would fly across the Pacific Ocean and join their organization; or so the thought was only a few weeks ago. Fortunately, some recent New York Mets rumors should actually have fans feeling a little more optimistic about landing Sasaki.

According to Jim Bowden, Sasaki’s agency looks favorably on Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner. The list of demands include endorsement opportunities, winning, and pitching development.

Let’s look at the clipboard. Check. Check. Check.

Mets pitching coaching Jeremy Hefner helps the team’s chances of signing Roki Sasaki

Unlike Juan Soto, the Sasaki chase is about his preferred destination. Too young to sign a massive deal like Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason, there are limits as to how much MLB teams can spend to add him to their roster. On what will technically be a minor league contract, Sasaki would come over to the United States with plenty of hype as well as the time to develop further into the stud many believe he can be.

For a team like the Mets deep into their own pockets already in free agency, getting a financial break with a talent like Sasaki would be an added lift to an already existing high. They wouldn’t even necessarily need to guarantee him a spot on the Opening Day roster although they’d want to plan for it the best they could.

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, already has two notable clients on the Mets roster. Edwin Diaz and Kodai Senga have had their chance to perform under the tutelage of Hefner. Their success and experience with the longest tenured Mets coach might now be one of those tie-breakers to help lead Sasaki to the direction of Citi Field.

Everything about Sasaki would fit in perfectly for what the Mets are building. He’d be the best addition they could possibly make with the years of control and affordability. His comfortability with a six-man rotation would fit right in with the Mets who’ll at least regularly go with an added starter throughout the coming year.

The Dodgers should remain the favorite to land Sasaki. However, this doesn’t sound like an up-and-coming star who’ll jump to Los Angeles without first doing some thorough digging into other opportunities.

Things look promising at the moment. Just hope he doesn't find out about the New York media.