3 backup plans for the Mets if they fail to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Backup Plan Three: Kick the can down the field another year for the big splash 

Call this the wave the white flag plan. Because none of the other pitchers are anywhere close to Yamamoto, kicking the can down the field another year could be something to consider. Far worse teams have overachieved. A patchworked Mets roster could be good enough to sneak into the playoffs. Last year’s full throttle situation didn't work. The baseball gods are due to show some mercy to the Mets.

As unappealing as this would be, it at least clarifies the team's mission. A rotation of Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino isn't a bad start whatsoever. Add in another decent guy and perhaps the Mets win enough without having to sign a $200 million dollar arm.

Throughout the reign of Steve Cohen, the Mets have yet to sign a starting pitcher long term. The shorter deals with higher AAV plan only failed because the team didn't perform. Others can laugh at how much they're continuing to pay Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. All of the pain occurred last year with only Cohen’s wallet continuing to suffer.

The Mets aren't going to punt the season. But failure to sign Yamamoto could mean they decide to skip out on adding another ace. If they find themselves in need at the trade deadline, that could be the time to get more aggressive.