The Mets have added more controlled depth to their starting staff as they traded for Jordan Yamamoto. In exchange the Mets send minor league infielder Federico Polanco to the Marlins. To make room for Yamamoto, the Mets have DFA’d Robel Garcia.

The righthander is coming off a lost year were he pitched to a 18.26 ERA over 11.1 innings with the Marlins. It resulted in him losing his spot on the Marlins roster. Main issue was him losing some MPH on his fastball, whichgot rocked with a 98 mph average on batted balls against. However in 2019, the just 24 year old was very solid for the Marlins pitching to a 4.46 ERA over 78.2 innings. Over those innings he pitched to a 1.14 WHIP, struck out 82 and allowed just 54 hits. Homeruns, were his main issue as he allowed 11 over those 78.2 innings.

Yamamoto doesn’t wow you with velo, however his spin rates on his fastball and breaking balls are really good. Even in 2020, his spin rates were above average, so he didn’t lost that. Yamamoto has a 6 pitch mix, using a 4 seam fastball, cutter, slider, curve, change-up and a sinker. His slider was his best pitch in 2019 as hitter had an expected slash line of .153/.207/.228 against that pitch. His Whiff percentage was at 36.3 percent showing his dominance with the pitch.

There is a lot of promise in the 24 year old. The 12 round pick was part of the Yelich trade and is under control until 2027 for the Mets. This is a major move to add depth to the rotation. Depth with youth, good upside AND controll. Great job by the Mets.