The Mets are expected to be among the top suitors for Japanese RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto this offseason, but he isn't the only international pitcher they're interested in.
Cuban right-handed reliever Yariel Rodriguez had a tryout for teams last week in the Dominican Republic, and the Mets were in attendance, per Francys Romero.
In addition to the Mets, the Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers, Astros, and Giants were among the teams there to watch Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 26, most recently pitched for Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and in Japan, and was reportedly released by the Chunichi Dragons earlier this month in order for him to become eligible for MLB free agency.
A starter at the beginning of his career, Rodriguez recently converted to relief full-time, and excelled for Chunichi out of the bullpen in 2021 and 2022.
In 54.2 innings over 56 appearances in 2022, Rodriguez had a 1.15 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 60 strikeouts (9.9 per nine) and did not allow a homer.
During his time pitching in the WBC earlier this year, Rodriguez worked as a starter, allowing two runs on five hits in 7.1 innings while walking six and striking out 10.
Rodriguez has a high-octane fastball in his arsenal, and also throws a slider, curve, splitter, and changeup.
And the Mets, needing a number of arms to bolster a relief corps that will have Edwin Diaz returning but lots of question marks elsewhere, make a ton of sense for Rodriguez.