The New York Mets made an intriguing addition to their pitching staff Friday, reportedly signing right-hander Shintaro Fujinami.
The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman reported it’s a one-year deal worth $3.35 million, with up to $850,000 in incentives.
That seems like a great deal for what Fujinami offers. The 29-year-old former Japanese baseball star has a fastball that tops out at 101 mph. After making his MLB debut last season, he made seven starts and 19 relief appearances in stints with the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles.
He posted a 7.18 ERA and 1.494 WHIP. Yes, that screams “Project,” but pitching coaches are thrilled to work with young pitchers (he’s 29 years old) bringing triple-digit heat.
In fact, Fujinami looked much improved in 10 appearances out of the bullpen after going to Baltimore, posting a 4.85 ERA (4.13 FIP).
It’s definitely a low-risk/high-reward prospect for the Mets. Given their bloated payroll, the highest in MLB in 2023, they need some bargain players to help fill needs.
The MLB world — and Mets fans — really liked the move.
Guy throws GAS up to 99MPH
I love the electricity in the pen that Stearns is now prioritizing. #Mets https://t.co/VOWgWAl55T
— CP NY Sports Network
(@CPNYSports) February 2, 2024
Love this move if nothing else bc the Mets bullpen has desperately needed another hard thrower since Bobby Parnell retired https://t.co/r1LhewnGo9
— Meet the Mess (@nyc_sportz) February 2, 2024
super low risk with a very high reward love this move https://t.co/4FFb8Ybg7J
— Mike
(@heyinubix) February 2, 2024