Kyle Farnsworth Opts Out

Kyle Farnworth has reportedly opted out of his contract with the Mets after being told he would not make the Opening Day roster.

“The Mets gave him every opportunity and we are very appreciative of the way Sandy (Alderson) and John (Ricco) handled the situation,” Farnsworth’s agent Barry Meister told ESPN New York on Sunday.

Kyle Farnsworth was a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing. A former quality reliever, the 37-year-old righty had a 5.63 ERA this spring and just was not good enough to make the squad.

Jose Valverde, who signed a similar contract over the winter, had a decent spring and is expected to make the bullpen.

Alderson has employed this tactic since taking over the reins of the Mets, signing relievers to minor league deals with a chance to make the club. Sometimes he has succeeded (Tim Byrdak), but more often than not these players have failed (Blaine Boyer, Brandon Lyon, etc., etc.). This year, at least Alderson brought in pitchers like Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valverde who have actually had success at the major league level.