Hisanori Takahashi Can't Reach Deal With Mets, Becomes Free Agent

by FanHouse Staff

Filed under: Mets, MLB Free Agency

The Mets and Hisanori Takahashi were unable to reach agreement on a contract before a midnight deadline, so the reliever will be pitching for someone else next season.

The New York Times reported the failure of talks between the two parties, who were far apart on Takahashi's perceived value. The 35-year-old, who made $1 million this year in his first season in the U.S., was seeking a multi-year deal worth between $4 million and $6 million a year, according to the Times. The Mets not only didn't want to pay him that much money, they also were interested only in a one-year deal, so he is now a free agent.

Takahashi was an effective and versatile pitcher for New York this season after coming over from the Yomiuri Giants. He went 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 53 appearances that included 12 starts. He also finished 21 games, earning eight saves along the way.

His age might make nailing down anything more than a two-year deal difficult, but Takahashi showed enough this season that some bullpen-needy team will surely sign him up at least for 2011.

 

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