The Mets announced that Ruben Tejada has been released after the infielder went unclaimed on waivers.
Tejada, 26, was due to make $3 million dollars this season after the Mets offered him arbitration, but the team will only pay him $500,000 because they released him 15 days prior to Opening Day.
Tejada is now free to sign with any team, and this ends his six year run with the Mets with a .255 batting average, .330 OBP and .688 OPS in 580 games with the the organization.
Interestingly enough, his last impression with the team was being tackled by the Dodgers’ Chase Utley and suffering a fractured leg in the NLDS.
According to the Daily News, sources told them last month that they were looking to move Tejada and prepared to cut him before Opening Day to make sure his $3 million salary was never guaranteed.
For the better part of the last three years, Tejada has been one of the best backup middle infielders in the league and he should have no problem catching on with another team. His departure opens the door for Eric Campbell or Matt Reynolds.
Original Report
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com, the Mets have placed shortstop Ruben Tejada on waivers.
Tejada, 26, was slated to earn $3 million this season had he made the opening day roster. However, the Mets will now only have to pay the infielder $500,000. A claiming team can try to work out a trade for Tejada through Thursday.
Should Asdrubal Cabrera start the season on the disabled list, Wilmer Flores will now most likely get a majority of the starts in his absence with Matt Reynolds backing him up.
Earlier this month it was reported that the Mets could either trade or release Tejada before opening day, and now that has come into fruition.
In six seasons for the Mets, Tejada appeared in 580 games, hitting at a .255/.330/.323 clip with ten home runs and 148 runs batted in.
Tejada became a fan favorite in the NLDS this past season after Dodgers infielder Chase Utley broke Tejada’s leg on a take out slide into second base.
To be honest, I’m a little surprised that the Mets chose to waive Tejada and couldn’t find a trade partner for him. I thought they were going to be able to get something for him, but now they are losing him for nothing.
Tejada could have been a valuable piece for the Mets this season in a reserve role, and I’m definitely sad to see him go.
I won’t be surprised if he’s picked up or traded for by the Cardinals now, considering Jhonny Peralta is set to miss 2-3 months.
Best of luck, Ruben…
