Takahashi free agent after deal can't be agreed upon
New York Mets relief pitcher Hisanori Takahashi points to his catcher after getting the last out against the Washington Nationals. (Sept. 7, 2010) Credit: AP
The Mets and the agent for Hisanori Takahashi couldn't come to terms on a new contract before Friday night's deadline, all but ensuring that the lefthander will be pitching elsewhere next season.
Because of a rule in the standard major-league contract, Takahashi now is prohibited from rejoining the Mets until May 15.
When the Mets signed Takahashi to a one-year deal in February, they agreed to release him, making him a free agent, if they did not agree to a new contract by Oct. 31.
Takahashi's agent, Arn Tellem, agreed to push that deadline back a week to give new general manager Sandy Alderson some time to get up to speed before beginning negotiations, but they still couldn't find common ground.
"Hisanori wanted to test the free-agent market," Alderson said in a statement.
In a statement released through Tellem on Friday, Takahashi said, "I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New York City and want to thank all the Mets fans for their support. I am now looking forward to exploring my options as a free agent."
Takahashi, 35, proved to be a bargain signing at $1 million for 2010, going 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 122 innings spanning 53 games, including 12 starts.
Takahashi was most effective as a reliever and ultimately emerged as the team's closer after Francisco Rodriguez was lost for the season in mid-August with a hand injury. He converted all eight of his save opportunities in Rodriguez's absence, posting a 0.84 ERA in 211/3 innings after taking over the closer's role.
Takahashi, whose best pitch is his changeup, is expected to generate interest from National League teams in need of a lefthanded reliever who can pitch multiple innings. The Yankees, Phillies and Dodgers are said to intrigue him.
