Mets agree to sign Daisuke Matsuzaka

The New York Mets have agreed to a major league deal with right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Matsuzaka has spent the entire season with the Indians' Triple-A affiliate, but will report straight to the majors with the Mets.

Matsuzaka was granted his requested release from the Indians organization on Tuesday after pitching well all season for Triple-A Columbus. In 19 starts, the 32-year old was 5-8 with a 3.92 ERA, 8.3 K/9, and 3.4 BB/9 in 103.1 innings of work. As Scott Miller of CBSSports.com noted on Wednesday, Indians' general manager Chris Antonetti was willing to let Matsuzaka pursue other opportunities once it became clear that there was not room on Cleveland's major league roster.

GM Antonetti on Indians releasing Dice-K: "We didn't have an immediate opportunity. ... MORE

— Scott Miller (@ScottMCBS) August 21, 2013

Antonetti: "Dice-K was throwing well in Triple A and thought he may have a better opportunity."

— Scott Miller (@ScottMCBS) August 21, 2013

Matsuzaka will help fill holes in a Mets' rotation that has recently lost starters Jeremy Hefner and Jenrry Mejia to injury. New York was one of a few teams linked to Dice-K last offseason, in addition to the Astros, Marlins, Indians and Padres.

In six major league seasons with the Red Sox (2007-2012), the former Japanese superstar was 50-37 with a 4.52 ERA, 8.2 K/9, and 3.9 BB/9 in 117 career starts. His best season came in 2008, when his 18-3 record and 2.90 ERA led him to finishing fourth in the voting for the American League Cy Young award.