By Miguel Rapetti
03 Feb 2024, 19:23 PM EST
The Japanese Shintaro Fujinami could be one of the new pieces that make up the New York Mets roster, after information emerged this Saturday that the pitcher had signed with the Queens team.
According to reports from MLB Network’s specialized journalist, Jon Heyman, Fujinami would be one of the new pieces that serve to reinforce the Mets bullpen, which has been one of the main priorities that the president of special operations, David Stearns, as well as also the owner of the currency, Steve Cohen.
The agreement, according to Heyman himself, was established at one year of service in exchange for $3.35 million dollars, although he also specified that other bonuses could increase the amount that the right-handed pitcher would earn.
The season goals set by the Mets management could translate into an additional $850,000 for Fujinami.
As for Fujinami’s career, although he has almost no MLB experience, he worked for 10 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Hanshin Tigers, although his turn to debut in the Major Leagues came in 2023.
The rookie in the United States debuted last season with the Oakland Athletics but after having a memorable season with the team that will move to Las Vegas in 2025, he was transferred to the Baltimore Orioles before the trade deadline.
In this team he improved his numbers and finished with a 4.85 earned run percentage, 32 strikeouts and 15 walks in 29.1 innings of work.
Upon confirmation of the transaction, Fujinami could provide peace of mind from the bullpen to the rotation led by Japanese star Kodai Senga along with another recent addition to Queens for the upcoming season: Sean Manaea.
Keep reading:
- The Baltimore Orioles will be sold for $1.725 million dollars
- New York Yankees will have two games in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos in March
- Reports: New York Mets interested in signing starter Brandon Woodruff