Putz'd To The Curb

In an expected move, the Mets declined the option on JJ Putz. If the Mets had picked up his option, they would have been on the hook for $9.1M. Instead, the opted to buy him out for $1M, making Putz a free agent.

The Mets might be inclined to try and re-sign Putz, but I believe it will never happen. I loved the idea of getting Putz, and thought his personality was well suited for NY, but he never seemed quite happy. This is in part due to the change of roles for the big right hander. Putz had been a dominant closer in the American League before the Mets acquired him, but in Flushing he became the set-up man for Francisco Rodriguez.

This is why I would be shocked if Putz doesn't sign elsewhere as a closer. The Mets might look to sign Putz to a salary far less than the $9.1M he was to make if his option was exercised. There are two big questions though: Do the Mets want Putz back? Does Putz want to come back to NY? My bet is that we have seen the last of JJ. I would love to see him back because I believe he could have been electric here, but due to an elbow injury, never lived up to expectations.

The Mets received Putz in a block buster trade that sent Joe Smith, Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Jason Vargas, Mike Carp, Ezequiel Carrera, and Maikel Cleto to Seattle for Putz, Sean Green, and Jeremy Reed.

I another transaction today, the Mets exercised the $500K option on pitcher Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey, whose salary is reduced from his four year $5.25M, isn't eligible for arbitration until the conclusion of the 2010 season.

Sources: Ultimate Mets Database , Brian Costa - The Star Ledger