Baltimore Orioles reliever Shintaro Fujinami (14) delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. (Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Mets have fortified their bullpen with two moves on Friday, agreeing to sign free agents Shintaro Fujinami and Jake Diekman on one-year deals.
Fujinami’s Performance Bonuses
Fujinami’s deal is valued at $3.35 million, as disclosed by an insider familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the agreement being contingent on a successful physical. The hard-throwing right-hander has the potential to earn an additional $850,000 through performance bonuses linked to the number of games played, including $100,000 for 35 games and $250,000 each for 40, 55, and 60 games.
Diekman’s Pending Deal
Diekman’s deal is awaiting completion of a physical examination, another source familiar with the agreement told AP.
Mets Bullpen’s Reinforcement
These signings mark notable additions to the Mets bullpen, which faced challenges in the previous year but is now showing signs of increased depth under the leadership of the new president of baseball operations, David Stearns. The recent re-signing of experienced setup man Adam Ottavino and the anticipated return of star closer Edwin Diaz, who missed the last season due to right knee surgery, further fortify the relief corps.
The bullpen lineup now boasts talents such as lefty Brooks Raley, right-handers Drew Smith and Phil Bickford, and newcomer Jorge Lopez, who earned an MLB All-Star title in 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles.
Fujinami and Senga: Japanese Pitching Duo
The 29-year-old Fujinami joins forces with fellow Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga on the Mets. Senga, with a notable 12-7 record and a 2.98 ERA last season, emerged as a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year. He finished second to Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll.
Fujinami left the Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Central League to sign a $3.25 million, one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics. His performance journey last year involved transitioning from a challenging start in the rotation, going 0-4, to becoming a key asset in the bullpen. Traded to the Baltimore Orioles on July 19, Fujinami demonstrated effectiveness in short stints, registering a 2-0 record with a 4.85 ERA and two saves in 30 appearances. Despite finishing the season with a 7-8 record and a 7.18 ERA in seven starts and 57 relief appearances, control issues persisted, with 83 strikeouts and 45 walks in 79 innings.
Diekman’s Impact
The 37-year-old Diekman, a veteran lefty, went 0-2 with a 3.34 ERA in 63 relief appearances for the White Sox and Rays last season. In early May, Chicago released him, and four days later, Tampa Bay signed him. He excelled much more there, compiling a 2.18 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts in 45⅓ innings over 50 outings.
Diekman’s overall record stands at 25-31 with a 3.82 ERA and 15 saves in 12 major league seasons. He has previously pitched for Philadelphia, Texas, Arizona, Kansas City, Oakland, and Boston.
Other Transactions: Heineman Traded to Boston
In addition to these signings, the Mets traded catcher Tyler Heineman to Boston for cash on Friday. The Red Sox designated right-hander Max Castillo for assignment. The 32-year-old Heineman hit .237 in 22 games for Pittsburgh and Toronto last season. Claimed by the Mets off waivers from Toronto on Dec. 1, he was designated for assignment on Tuesday to open a roster spot for Ottavino.
This report used information from the Associated Press.
