NEW YORK (Kyodo) The New York Mets said Thursday they have signed left-hander Hisanori Takahashi, who declared himself a free agent from the Yomiuri Giants after the 2009 season, to a minor league deal.
The Associated Press reported that Takahashi, 34, has agreed to a one-year contract and will earn $1 million if he is promoted to the major leagues.
Takahashi has been invited to the team's major league spring training in Port St. Lucie, Fla., starting Feb. 20.
He became a free agent with the hopes of plying his trade in the majors after playing all 10 seasons with the Giants, where he posted a 79-66 career record with 15 saves and a 3.70 ERA in 245 games.