Takahashi debuted in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Yomiuri Giants in 2000. He was a finesse starting pitcher in Japan, featuring an 86–89mph fastball (tops out at 92mph), slider, curveball, and a screwball as his out pitch.
Major League Baseball
New York Mets
On February 11, 2010, Takahashi signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.[1] Takahashi included a clause in his contract stipulating that the Mets must release him to free agency by October 31, 2010.[2] Takahashi started the 2010 season in the Mets' bullpen. On May 21, he made his first appearance as a starting pitcher against the New York Yankees, picking up a no decision with 6 scoreless innings. With the loss of Francisco Rodríguez to injury, Takahashi served as the closer for the Mets and recorded his first major league save on August 16 against the Houston Astros.
On July 28, 2012, Takahashi was optioned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees to make room for recently acquired starting pitcher Zack Greinke.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Takahashi was claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in August 2012.[4] The Pirates granted Takahashi his unconditional release on October 31, 2012.[5]
Chicago Cubs
On December 27, 2012 he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs that included an invitation to spring training.[6] He made the opening day roster as a relief pitcher. He was designated for assignment on April 16, 2013.
Following the 2013 season, Takahashi signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.[9] In September 2015, Takahashi announced that he would retire from baseball following the 2015 season. He failed to record a win in either of his two seasons in Yokohama.[10]
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