According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, Padres right hander Jon Garland has declined his end of his 2011 mutual option with the San Diego Padres and is now a free agent.
Garland, 31, pitched 200 innings last season with a 3.47 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 33 starts.
This could be exactly the type of pitcher that might be a good fit for the Mets and he should come at reasonable price. Garland earned $4.7 million dollars in 2010, and could fetch a two-year deal in the $14-$16 million dollar range.
He has made 30 or more starts for ten straight seasons and has a career ERA of 4.32 while pitching mostly in the American League.
He could be even more effective pitching half of his starts in spacious Citi Field.
