According to NPB Tracker, the Mets are among eight teams who have interest in free-agent relief pitcher Takashi Saito.

In four seasons since leaving Japan for MLB, the 39–year-old Saito has a 2.05 ERA in 236 relief appearances, while pitching for the Dodgers and Red Sox, during which he has 297 strike outs and just 77 walks in 245 innings pitched.

…i know more of him from watching the Red Sox last season, than i do from his time with the Dodgers… however, i didn’t realize how strong he has been in all four seasons he has been pitching in MLB… he changes speeds so well, and keeps hitters off balance… he is very good control, but he is not a guy a team should go to for more than a few batters… the biggest concern with saito is a) he is striking out less and walking more hitters while giving up more home runs with each passing season, and b) his health, as he’s had some sort of arm issue every season, be it his elbow or shoulder… in fact, he missed 50 games in 2008 with an elbow injury, and so the Dodgers didn’t bother to tender him a contract… that said, when he’s healthy, and being used in the right situations, he can be outstanding… but, i am not sure he’s worth a long-term deal, which is what i assume he will be asking for…

According to Joe D of Mets Merized, the Mets would be better off signing free-agent Darren Oliver than Saito.