The New York Mets reportedly placed infielder Ruben Tejada on waivers Tuesday and could release him if he goes unclaimed by Thursday.
Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports the Mets, who have retooled their middle infield with Neil Walker and Asdrubal Cabrera, could let Tejada go and pay him just $500,000. Otherwise, his base salary for the 2016 season will be $3 million, according to Spotrac.
Marc Carig of Newsday confirmed the move.
The 26-year-old Panamanian split time between shortstop, second base and third base for the Mets last season. He posted a solid .338 on-base percentage, but finished with just three home runs and two stolen bases in 116 games.
It looked like he was in line to compete for the Opening Day shortstop gig while Cabrera recovers from a left knee injury. This move suggests the Mets will move forward with Wilmer Flores for the time being and creates some financial flexibility by letting Tejada go, if he's not claimed.
The natural shortstop didn't want to discuss the situation when asked about it over the weekend, per Rubin.
"I can't make the decision here," Tejada said. "My mentality here is only to stay focused and do my job. They know what they have to do."
Tejada and Flores would be in line to fill the same role when everybody is healthy, so taking one of them out of the equation to save money makes sense. That said, there's some risk involved should more infield injuries begin to mount before Cabrera is cleared to return.
The roster move also comes as his bat was starting to heat up in spring training. The Mets highlighted a double against the Miami Marlins on Sunday:
Putting him on waivers gives the New York front office a couple of days to make a final decision. If he goes unclaimed and the team decides to let him go, it shouldn't take long for him to latch on somewhere as a utility infielder.
Tejada isn't worth a long-term starting spot, but he's a valuable bench asset thanks to his defensive versatility.
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