Mets part ways with Tejada

The Mets announced that they have released infielder Ruben Tejada after he went unclaimed on waivers. Tejada, 26, was due to make around $3 million in the 2016 season, but the team will now only be on the hook for $500,000 since they cut ties with him 15 days prior to Opening Day. He is now to free to sign with any team.

Tejada has been in the Mets organization ever since being signed as an amateur free agent out of Panama in 2006. To say that he has had an interesting career path with the Mets would be an understatement.


Making his major league debut in 2010, Tejada was considered the future successor of All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes, and a strong 2011 season as a 21 year old backed up that theory. That year he hit .284/.360 in 96 games off the bench for New York, and truly looked like a solid option for the team moving forward. The following season, he was handed the starting shortstop gig and ran away with it. His numbers improved, as he hit .289/.333 in 114 games.

From 2013-2015, Tejada's numbers took a huge dip, and as a result of this he lost the starting job to Wilmer Flores last season. During that three year span, Tejada hit a combined .238/.323 in 292 games, while dealing with several injury issues. Despite the declining offensive output, many players have expressed sadness about him leaving, as he was regarded as a solid clubhouse member.

3B David Wright said the following in an interview "I've had the pleasure of watching Ruben grow into a quality player and a tremendous teammate. Ruben has produced many big hits for us and became an inspiration to this organization and the city during our playoff run last year. I will be rooting for Ruben and he will be missed."

Of-course, the inspiration that Wright was referring to was the city's response to his injury that he had received in the NLDS against the Dodgers. Tejada broke his leg as a result of a takeout slide from long-time Mets killer Chase Utley, and the Mets fan-base rallied behind the shortstop.

As far as my opinion, I am very conflicted about this move. So I will do my best to break down my thoughts.

Starting with the Pros

• The Mets are saving money: about $2.5 million to be exact, which could be re-invested in the team in July if they are looking to acquire talent. 
• It paves the way for younger talent: While Tejada is still only 26, the Mets are clearly looking at more youthful players to fill out their bench. At this stage, the organization has a good grasp with what Tejada can provide, and it is apparent they feel that they're other options in camp can step up and fill his shoes. Keep a very close eye on T.J. Rivera and Matt Reynolds, as I fully expect the two of them to battle for that roster spot. 

Now, moving to the Cons

• The timing: Right now, Asdrubal Cabrera may miss the first week of the season following a mild lower-body injury, meaning that the Mets may need to carry an extra infielder on the team for the first set of games. When this was reported, I immediately thought that Tejada was safe from being traded/released, as it seemed apparent that the Mets needed him. However, I guess they are comfortable with Wilmer Flores in the starting lineup, and a player with no major league experience backing him up.
• The return (or lack thereof): Ruben Tejada is a quality baseball player. Now, before you criticize me for saying that, think about it. He hasn't lived up to the All-Star-like projections that were immediately given, but had morphed himself into a nice option for Collins to use off the bench. Also, he is still only 26 years old, and coming off a decent year where he had a .338 on-base percentage clip, so it is strange that the Mets couldn't find a trade partner. 

Ruben Tejada is going to have no problem latching on with a new team. In the next week or two, teams will be desperately scrambling to find options to fill out their benches, and that is when I expect him to find a new home. Look at the St. Louis Cardinals for example, as they have just lost SS Jhonny Peralta for the 3 months of the season. Tejada would be a perfect fit for that team. 

From a Mets standpoint, I think this move just shows how much depth the team really has, and how much faith it has put in it's lower-leveled prospects. Ruben had an up-and-down run for the Mets, but will be widely regarded as a positive figure in the Mets universe, so I expect to hear many cheers the next time we see him again.