The 3 biggest threats to the Mets dream of signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto

3) Boston Red Sox

Like the Yankees, the Red Sox have taken a bit of a step back when it comes to spending money in recent years. The result? Three last place finishes in the last four seasons. Not exactly what Red Sox fans are used to, or will accept.

Boston finishing at the bottom of the AL East as often as they have resulted in the reiring of Chaim Bloom. Craig Breslow took his spot as the primary decision maker, and could be looking to make a big splash. Ohtani would be the biggest splash, but Yamamoto is probably the best fit, considering the fact that he can pitch in 2024.

To say Boston needs help in their rotation would be an understatement. Chris Sale is still there, but he's as unreliable as they come. Young arms like Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Kutter Crawford have shown promise, but are far from locks to be productive. Boston needs a bonafide ace and Yamamoto would provide that.

Starting pitching has been a weakness for years in Boston, and this past season was no exception as the team ranked 21st in starting pitcher ERA. Only one team that finished below them even finished above .500, and that was the 82-80 Reds who missed the playoffs. Good teams have good starting pitching, and Boston needs that to win.

They have a new GM looking to make a splash, a hungry fanbase, and a ton of money at their disposal. Boston looms large as a major threat to the Mets.