Shintaro Fujinami Free Agency: New York Mets reportedly agree a deal for three-time NPB All-Star

On Friday, MLB insider Jon Heyman announced that the New York Mets have reportedly reached an agreement with Shintaro Fujinami. The 29-year-old Japanese pitcher will now join a revamp that will feature a number of new faces in 2024.

"RHP Shintaro Fujinami and the New York Mets are reportedly in agreement on a deal, per @JonHeyman" - @MLBNetwork

Shintaro Fujinami made his MLB debut last season after signing with the Oakland Athletics. After several disappointing appearances for the A's, Fujinami was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles. After his contract expired, the pitcher reportedly landed a one-year deal with the New York Mets, which Heyman says is valued at $3.35 million and includes $850,000 in additional incentives.

The former NPB All-Star will look to bounce back in 2024 after a dreadful first year in the MLB. During his time with both the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles in 2023, Fujinami posted a 7-8 record with a 7.18 ERA, 1.494 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts over 79.0 innings.

"@martinonyc confirms that the Mets are signing hard-throwing reliever Shintaro Fujinami to a one-year deal. Fujinami had a 7.18 ERA last season, but pitched to a 4.85 ERA with the Orioles after being traded from the A's mid-season. He began the season as a starter, but was moved to the bullpen after 7 starts. His average fastball velocity last season was 98.4 MPH" - @SNY_Mets

Although those numbers leave much to be desired, there are encouraging signs. It is worth noting that as a member of the Oakland Athletics, Fujinami posted an 8.57 ERA, however, that number was cut in half after joining the Baltimore Orioles, finishing his tenure with the O's with a 4.85 ERA.

Fujinami saw his overall numbers improve after changing his role from a starting pitcher to a reliever. According to MLB insider Andy Martino, the New York Mets intend on using Fujinami out of the bullpen.

Shintaro Fujinami is one of a number of new pitchers who will don the New York Mets jersey this season

The Japanese reliever is far from the first pitcher that the New York Mets have added this offseason. The newly revamped pitching staff will feature Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Jorge Lopez, Adrian Houser, and Max Kranick.

It will be interesting to see how the New York Mets fare following the notable departures of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer last season. Although the current staff does not feature the future Hall of Famers, the front office has certainly not sat still this offseason.