The Mets are willing to take the low-risk gamble of using a live arm in the bullpen.
Shintaro Fujinami, who spent last season with the Athletics and Orioles, reached an agreement with the Mets on Friday on a one-year contract worth $3.35 million, the Post’s Jon Heyman reported.
The deal also includes $850,000 in incentives.
Fujinami, 29, appeared in 64 games for the Orioles last season, primarily as a reliever, posting a 7.18 ERA.
The Japanese right-hander’s four-seam fastball averaged 98.4 mph, ranking him 97th in MLB.th Percentile according to Statcast.
However, on the flip side, Fujinami struggled with ball control, walking 45 batters in just 79 innings. His walk rate of 12.6 percent is among the worst in the major leagues.
Fujinami also had a hard-hitting percentage of 44.6 percent, which ranked 11th in MLB.th percentile.
The agreement comes as the Mets work to finalize a deal with left-handed relief pitcher Jake Diekman.
Last weekend, the Mets re-signed Adam Ottavino and previously added Jorge Lopez in a free agent deal.
Edwin Diaz will return as the closer after missing last season rehabbing from patellar tendon surgery on his right knee.
Brooks Lally and Drew Smith are among the returning members from last season’s bullpen, along with Ottavino.
