Carlos Torres Leaves the Mets

Carlos Torres has cleared waivers and has elected to become a free agent.

Torres was designated for assignment to make room for Antonio Bastardo. No one picked him up, so then he had a choice to make — stay with the Mets and collect his $1.05 million in the minors, or forfeit the contract to sign with another team. He chose the latter.

The Mets still owe him $175,000, so even if Torres signs for the league minimum (around $600,000) with incentives, he’ll make the same money he would have made if he stayed with the Mets.

Frankly, I was surprised he lasted this long. I did not think the Mets would offer him a contract in his first year of arbitration. Torres had a disappointing 2015 after two fine seasons, pitching to a 4.68 ERA and failing to make the post-season roster.

On the other hand, Carlos Torres is still  serviceable pitcher, so I am also surprised no one picked him up for the million bucks. He will definitely latch on with another team.

The Mets are reportedly still looking for another bullpen piece. Even if they do not sign anyone else, the pen looks pretty solid. You have closer Jeurys Familia, veterans Bastardo, Addison Reed and Jerry Blevins and promising youngsters Erik Goedell, Sean Gilmartin and Hansel Robles. Plus Josh Edgin and idiot Jenrry Mejia are waiting in the wings. That should be good enough to back up the stellar starting pitching.