On one hand, Tatsuya Imai made perfect sense for the New York Mets. On the other, the deal he signed with the Houston Astros is strangely unsatisfying. If he pitches well, he’s gone after a year.
But that’s not the main takeaway as to why he’ll only visit Citi Field once next season in late August. Mets rumors courtesy of Mark Feinsand say they didn’t view him as an “impact starter.”
If that’s the kind of standard the Mets are going to have, it’s actually promising for what they’re aiming to do this offseason. As frustrating as it may be for zero subtractions and additions to the rotation, it’s a sign (and not asinine) that there’s a standard they’re looking for and it’s a high one, too.