The Mets were given a short extension on their window of exclusive negotiating rights with free agent lefty Hisanori Takahashi. And it sounds like they are going to take advantage of the extra time.
Takahashi was offered a one-year deal from the Mets a few weeks back, according to David Waldstein of the New York Times, and it was a contract packed with incentives. The offer was not met with much excitement from the southpaw’s side, but it was made before Sandy Alderson took over as general manager and it’s quite possible that the Mets will now sweeten the deal.
The 35-year-old Takahashi is apparently seeking a two or three-year deal and the two sides now have until November 5 to agree on something. Once that date passes, he will officially be open to all clubs.
Takahashi turned in a solid 3.61 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season, fanning 114 batters in 122 innings of work both as a starter and reliever.