Buzz: Mets on Verge of signing Takahashi
Kevin Burkhardt of SNY says, from what he’s been told, “Takahashi is not a bullpen option.”
Instead, “he’s a Tom Glavine-type, who will either make the rotation or find a place in Triple-A Buffalo.”
Updated at 11:42 am:
David Waldstein of the New York Times says the Mets are on the verge of signing Japanese free-agent LHP Hisanori Takahashi to a minor-league contract, worth $1 million, with $500,000 in performance bonuses.
According to Waldstein, Takahashi chose the Mets over the Dodgers, Orioles, Red Sox and Padres, “all of whom offered minor league contracts as well.”
Original Post at 7:56 am:
Hochi Sports says Takahashi will sign a minor-league deal with either the Mets or Dodgers.
Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker believes Takahashi will first spend time in the minors.
Last week, Newman said the Mets and Takahashi were having a difficult time reaching a compromise on money.
The 34-year-old Takahashi had a 2.94 ERA in 25 games last year in Japan, while striking out 126 batters in 144 innings.
In a post to MASN Sports, Roch Kubatko said of Takahashi:
- His best pitch is a screwball.
- He won’t eat up a lot of innings, which is why he’s better suited for the bullpen.
- Lefties hit .300 against him last season.
To see video from of Takahashi, click here.
