On paper, Tatsuya Imai certainly seemed like a potential candidate for the Dishes.
He’s only 27, brings a ton of potential from Japan and didn’t command too much in free agency, with his market not developing as hoped.
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However, the team reportedly never seriously considered pursuing the right-hander until he reached agreement on a three-year pact with the Astros on Thursday.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, that’s because the Mets weren’t sold on Imai as an impact starter.
With the way his contract with Houston is set up — including incentives based on innings pitched and opt-outs after each year — it appears other clubs have felt the same way.
Imai pitched to a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 162.2 innings last year for the Saitama Seibu Lions.
There are, however, some concerns about the right’s shift to the United States.
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So now the Mets will have to turn their attention elsewhere if they hope to add to their rotation this offseason.
Feinsand connected them again to Framber Valdez And Ranger Suareztwo of the best available in free agency.
It remains to be seen if David Stearns However, they will pay the money and years that senior arms are looking for.
