The Mets have released reliever Ryota Igarashi, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. The Japanese right-hander signed a two-year, $3MM deal with the Mets in December 2009 but struggled to adjust to pitching in North America. Igarashi posted a 5.74 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP in 79 career appearances with New York and was designated for assignment by the Mets last January.
Since Igarashi and the Mets couldn't agree on a new deal, Igarashi is now a free agent due to a clause in his original contract with the club. The 32-year-old has said he wants to keep pitching in the Major Leagues.
Thank you!
He was not very good.
he sucked
The 2012 season will be that much more enjoyable now that he’s gone.
I find it very hard to believe that Iggy and the Mets couldn’t work out a deal – that implies the Mets had interest in retaining him which sounds like a bunch of bull to me.
My understanding of both former Japanese players was this: Mets gave Iggy one extra year while Taka gets only one year. The Mets thought Iggy had more upside than Taka. Two years later, Taka has a great year with the Halos while Iggy struggles through his contract.
I highly doubt they have interest this time around.
Or, sounds like Iggy was one of the worst pitchers in the game.