Mets pitcher Takahashi becomes free agent By Sports Network

FLUSHING, N.Y. - New York Mets pitcher Hisanori Takahashi elected to exercise a clause in his contract that allowed him to become a free agent on Saturday at midnight (et).

Takahashi, 35, was not able to negotiate a new contract with the Mets and now cannot sign with his former team until May 15, making it highly unlikely he will return to the club.

In 53 games, 12 starts, in 2010 -- his rookie season -- Takahashi went 10-6 with a 3.61 earned run average.