The Mets are willing to take a low-risk gamble on a live arm for their bullpen.
Shintaro Fujinami, who spent last season with the A’s and Orioles, reached agreement Friday with the Mets on a one-year contract worth $3.35 million, according to a source. The deal also includes $850,000 in incentives.
The Post’s Jon Heyman first reported the agreement.
Fujinami, 29, pitched to a 7.18 ERA in 64 games last season for the A’s and Orioles, mostly in relief. The right-hander averaged 98.4 mph with his four-seam fastball, which ranked in MLB’s 97th percentile, according to Statcast.
But the flip side is Fujinami struggled with control, walking 45 batters in only 79 innings.
That walk rate of 12.6 percent was among the worst in the major leagues.
Fujinami also had a hard-hit ball rate of 44.6 percent, which ranked in MLB’s 11th percentile.
The agreement occurred on a day the Mets finalized a deal, pending a physical that had been in the works with left-handed reliever Jake Diekman.
According to sources, Diekman received a one-year contract worth $4 million that includes a vesting option for 2025.
If Diekman appears in 58 games this coming season, he would be guaranteed another $4 million for next year.
Diekman, who pitched last season for the White Sox and Rays, gives the Mets a second left-handed relief option, joining Brooks Raley.
The Mets had pursued left-hander Wandy Peralta before he reached an agreement with the Padres on a four-year deal worth $16.5 million.
The team has also been in contact with lefty relievers Aaron Loup and Brad Hand, according to sources, about potential minor-league contracts.
Last weekend, the Mets re-signed Adam Ottavino and previously added Jorge Lopez on a free-agent contract.
Edwin Diaz is returning at closer after missing last season rehabbing from surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his right knee. Drew Smith is also among the returning members of last season’s bullpen, along with Ottavino and Raley.