Mets Say Dice-K Re-Signing Report is Erroneous

Earlier tonight, a report out of Japan by Sports Hochi indicated that the Mets were close to re-signing starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to a minor league deal.

The Mets, however, denied the report.  Reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

"Mets officials refuted a Japanese report from Sports Hochi that Daisuke Matsuzaka was on the verge of agreeing to a minor-league deal with the club, with one member of the organization saying it was “not true at all.”"

Matsuzaka, 33, who had a 4.42 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 38.2 innings pitched over seven starts with the Mets last year, has been on the Mets’ radar (along with Aaron Harang, Jerome Williams, Freddy Garcia, and others) as potential fifth starter candidates who would compete with Jenrry Mejia, Rafael Montero, and Jacob deGrom during spring training.

Sep 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka (16) delivers to the plate during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Thoughts:

Matsuzaka pitched terribly at first for the Mets after they acquired him late last season, but he settled into somewhat of a groove over the last handful of starts he made.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Mets eventually re-signed Dice-K, and there are certainly worse options out there.

However, much like Freddy Garcia, I would hope the Mets would be signing Matsuzaka strictly as insurance for the younger guys.

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