The New York Mets, who last season carried Japanese reliever Takashi Kashiwada for most of the season, have turned to Japan again by signing 18-year-old free agent, left-hander Juei Ushiromatsu.
Ushiromatsu, who was signed by Isao O'Jimi, the Mets' Far East area supervisor, becomes the first Japanese player acquired by a Major League team through its international scouting system.
Ushiromatsu will report to the Mets' minor-league camp next spring.
'For us, this is the first of many players we hope to sign internationally,' said general manager Steve Phillips.
'The talent supply for baseball is worldwide now and we, like all the other clubs, have to take advantage of the ever-expanding markets.' Ushiromatsu had all the makings of a top player, O'Jimi said.