Major League Baseball

Mets forced to release Takahashi

Published Nov. 5, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Mets were forced to release pitcher Hisanori Takahashi on Friday after the sides failed to agree to a new contract.

Takahashi was 10-6 with eight saves and a 3.61 ERA in 12 starts and 41 relief appearances last season, taking over as closer after Francisco Rodriguez got hurt.

His contract required that the Mets sign him to a new deal by Oct. 31 or release the 35-year-old left-hander, and the sides pushed back the deadline to Friday after Sandy Alderson was hired as general manager.

When an agreement wasn't reached with Takahashi's agent, Arn Tellem, the Mets put the pitcher on waivers for the purpose of his unconditional release.

''Hisanori wanted to test the free agent market,'' Alderson said. ''We thank Hisanori for his contributions to the Mets in 2010 and wish him good luck in his future major league career.''

New York can't sign Takahashi to a major league contract until May 15 under baseball's rules.

''I am grateful to the Mets for the opportunity to start my Major League Baseball career with such a great franchise,'' Takahashi said in a statement released by Tellem. ''I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New York City and want to thank all the Mets fans for their support. I am now looking forward to exploring my options as a free agent.''

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