YUHI SAKO SIGNED BY METS

PATERSON, NJ - Right-handed pitcher Yuhi Sako inked a minor league deal with the New York Mets on Monday, per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. 

Sako, who excelled both as a starter and a reliever for the New Jersey Jackals this season, will begin his journey to the majors after an all-star campaign in the Frontier League. 

Originally from Japan, Sako emerged as a pro with the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League in 2023. During his tenure down under, he posted a 2.14 ERA, allowing just 11 earned runs with 54 strikeouts across 46.2 innings.

With the Jackals, Sako was 7-3 in his two seasons and was New Jersey's representative in the 2024 Frontier League All-Star Game. He also received Pitcher of the Week honors for the week of July 15th after striking out 13 hitters in a complete-game shutout of the New England Knockouts. He ended his sophomore season with a 3.40 ERA in a career-high 92.2 innings, including 78 strikeouts. 

"I'm very excited for Yuhi," said Jackals Manager Bert Gonzalez. "He has a special gift and proved over his two seasons with the Jackals that he deserves this opportunity at the next level with the Mets. This is a great day for Yuhi and independent baseball. I look forward to seeing him pitch in the big leagues where he belongs one day."