Japanese Reliever Bids Sayonara To Mets Offer

According to this report on MASN Sports, Japanese free agent Hisanori Takahashi has reportedly rejected deals from both the Mets and Orioles.

The Mets had actually offered the reliever a Major League contract, but couldn’t reach an agreement on the dollars according to another report appearing on NPB Tracker.

I’m a little surprised that the Mets continue to focus so much on the bullpen, especially after signing Chris Everts, Elmer Dessens, Ryota Igarashi, Kelvim Escobar and most recently Bobby Livingston. They also bring back Bobby Parnell, Pedro Feliciano, Pat Misch and Sean Green this season.

The 34 year old LHP Hisanori Takahashi was originally considering offers from the Mets, Orioles, Dodgers, Red Sox, Giants, Pirates and Padres, and was expected to make a decision soon.

He also preferred to sign a major league deal with a chance to become a starter.

Last year, Takahashi, who features a screwball as part of his arsenal, appeared in 25 games for the Yomiuri Giants and in 144 innings he went 10-6 with a 2.94 ERA with 126 strikeouts.