The New York Mets have had their share of free-agent signings that failed to meet expectations, with several players standing out as notable disappointments.
**Shintaro Fujinami**
In the 2024 offseason, the Mets signed Japanese pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to a one-year, $3.35 million deal, hoping he could bolster their bullpen. Unfortunately, Fujinami’s performance was underwhelming. He struggled with control issues, posting a 6.68 ERA in 32.1 innings at Triple-A, walking 33 batters. Despite a brief improvement in August, his overall inconsistency led the Mets to release him after he failed to make a single major league appearance.
**Jake Diekman**
Another recent example is left-handed reliever Jake Diekman, who joined the Mets on a one-year, $4 million contract before the 2024 season. Diekman was expected to be a high-leverage option in the bullpen but failed to deliver, recording a 5.63 ERA over 32 innings. His persistent control problems, highlighted by 24 walks, led the Mets to designate him for assignment by August and ultimately release him.
**Óliver Pérez**
Looking further back, Óliver Pérez’s tenure with the Mets remains one of the most infamous. After showing promise in the 2006 postseason and subsequent seasons, Pérez was rewarded with a three-year, $36 million contract in 2009. However, injuries and a significant decline in performance ensued. In 2009, he posted a 6.82 ERA, followed by a 6.80 ERA in 2010. His refusal to accept a minor league assignment compounded the situation, leading to his release before the 2011 season, despite still being owed $12 million.
**Sean Manaea**
In November 2024, left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea declined his $13.5 million option for the 2025 season with the Mets, opting for free agency. Manaea had a solid 2024 season, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA over 32 starts. His decision to test the free-agent market was anticipated, given his performance and the potential for a more lucrative contract elsewhere.
**Juan Soto**
In December 2024, the Mets made a significant move by signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, the richest in sports history. Soto, who had a stellar season with the Yankees, chose the Mets over several teams, including the Yankees, who offered $760 million over 16 years. This acquisition is expected to have a substantial impact on the Mets’ lineup and their future success.
These instances highlight the unpredictable nature of free-agent signings in Major League Baseball. While some acquisitions, like Juan Soto, generate optimism and excitement, others serve as cautionary tales of the risks teams take in the pursuit of success.
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