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).
The Mets have signed RHP Shintaro Fujinami per @JonHeyman
Up to 101 mph with a mid-80’s sweeper. Looked better with Baltimore than Oaklandpic.twitter.com/Rev6rRyLTN
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) February 2, 2024
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.
The Mets were one of just three teams to not throw a single pitch at least 100 mph last year
Shintaro Fujinami is far from perfect but he throws absolute cheddar pic.twitter.com/UNOKzAED7U
— James Schiano (@James_Schiano) February 2, 2024
Fujinami as a SP…..terrible.
Fujinami once he became a RP? Not bad at all despite what the ERA says.
As a RP, he held opponents to a .209 AVG/.671 OPS with a 26.2% K, 12.5% BB, 12% SwStr, 27% CSW
Not "sexy" but a competent option with upside for medium leverage situations. https://t.co/6f83vfj0kT
— Christopher Soto (@SotoC803) February 2, 2024
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
The Mets bullpen is packed to the brim with dudes who don’t throw strikes but are hard to hit and have good/great stuff.
— Max Greenfield (@GreenfieldMax18) February 2, 2024
