The Mets landed the leading contender to be their set-up man last night when they agreed to terms with hard-throwing Japanese import Ryota Igarashi on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old Igarashi, a right hander whose best pitches are a forkball and splitter, had Tommy John surgery two years ago, but reportedly has regained most of his arm strength and throws regularly in the mid- to high-90s.
Igarashi, who was 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA for the Yakult Swallows last season, comes in as the favorite to set up All-Star closer Frankie Rodriguez from a group of candidates that includes Bobby Parnell, Brian Stokes and Sean Green.
Japanese media outlets reported the Mets had competition for Igarashi from the Red Sox.