Sights set on Saito

According to NPB Tracker (per MLBTR), eight teams are reportedly interested in reliever Takashi Saito, who recently became a free agent after the Red Sox declined his $6M option. Of the eight clubs, only the White Sox, Cubs, Braves and Mets have been explicitly mentioned, however, one wonders whether or not the Yankees could also be intrigued by the 39-year old right-hander.

As Jeff Passan (Yahoo!), who ranks Saito as the 64th best free agent available, notes, Saito has been “[n]othing but excellent since coming over from Japan,” as he has posted a career ERA of 2.05 and a career FIP of 2.62. He played for the Dodgers from 2006-08, but was expendable due to injury concerns and the presence of Jonathan Broxton. Last winter, he signed with the Red Sox and, this year, over 55 2/3 innings, he did well with a 2.43 ERA (4.25 FIP, however) and 52 strikeouts. Though the season wasn’t as impressive as his campaigns with the Dodgers, I’m sure the league switch influenced things to a certain degree, as Saito walked a few more more than usual and struck out a few less. He was also rebounding from a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, experienced during his time in LA, which might have influenced his season numbers (Saito employed platelet-rich, plasma therapy in order to rehab the tear, instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery).

For the Yankees, Saito could be a useful addition in that he would likely take over as the team’s setup man, allowing Damaso Marte and David Robertson to slot into the 6th and 7th inning. The added depth helps to keep Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes out of the bullpen, as well. Also, since the Red Sox declined Saito’s option, he won’t cost a draft pick (money is the only cost). This aspect of his free agency makes him an extremely attractive buy, especially when you consider some of the other relief options that are currently available (e.g., Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez) and the costs attached to their arms.

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