Mets Sign Ryota Igarashi

Written by Benny B. | 17 December 2009

The Mets announced today that they have signed reliever Ryota Igararashi to a 2 year deal.  It is estimated in the area of 1MM per year.

The Mets got into a slight bidding war with the Red Sox, before finally coming to a deal.  It was said that at least 6 other teams were interested in Igarashi.

He has a fastball that is clocked regularly between 93-96 MPH and his out pitch is an excellent slider.  Supposedly he also has a curve ball, but rarely uses it as a one inning reliever.

Well, it's nice to finally see a Major League addition to their squad.  Igarashi is far from a guarantee as this will be his first season playing out of Japan with a smaller strike zone, however, it is comforting to know that Epstien and The Sox were so hot and heavy after him.  Their scouting department is top notch.  Plus, the Mets didn't break the bank signing him and it is only a two year deal.  So BRAVO, Omar.  It would be nice to see another lefty added to the pen to assist Feliciano, because I don't know if he can continue to be used like he has without his arm falling off.

So cross one need of the list.  Now we need a left fielder (Jason Bay), a Catcher (NOT Benji Molina if it's more than one year), and at least one pitcher (who knows who?).  Other moves would be solidifying the bench and moving Castillo (if possible) in order to sign Hudson.  All these moves are not out of the question.  Let's go Mets!

Update:

The deal is reported to be worth 3MM over 2 years.

Well, I guess that was a result of the bidding war with the Sox.  Anyway, it still looks like a good deal.