New York Mets Announce Release of Outfielder Jason Bay

The New York Mets have just made headlines by electing to release outfielder Jason Bay.

According to Anthony DiComo, Mets beat writer for MLB.com, the franchise announced the controversial decision on Wednesday afternoon.

"

Bombshell: #Mets announce they and Bay have agreed to part ways. Much more coming on Mets.com.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) November 7, 2012"

Joel Sherman, baseball columnist for the New York Post, confirmed the release and dug up some financial figures.

"

Bay is getting all $21M he is owed, the $16M salary, the $3M buyout and the $2M left on a signing bonus. Some is being deferred #Mets

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 7, 2012"

It’s obviously not a cost-saving move for the club, as Bay will be getting all of the $21 million remaining on his deal, which was set to expire after the 2013 season and had a team option for the 2014 campaign. 

Bay was never a fit in the Big Apple, batting a measly .234 and only hitting 26 homers during his three seasons with the Mets. The 34-year-old is now set to become a free agent and will likely draw some interest from a number of other teams around MLB.

During his 10-year major league career, Bay has had stints with the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox and most recently the Mets. He started off hot, winning the 2004 NL Rookie of the Year award, and even made an All-Star game as recently as 2009, when he was a member of the Red Sox.

Unfortunately, he never lived up to expectations with the Mets and—beginning in 2011—had to deal with lingering and debilitating rib injuries that kept him on the DL for long stretches. These seemed to impact his power and base-stealing ability during his time in New York.

Stay tuned to B/R for the latest news, updates, opinions and analysis on Jason Bay’s release by the New York Mets and rumors on where the outfielder may wind up.