Jason Bay’s time with the Mets has mercifully ended early.
The team announced in a press release on Wednesday that they have parted ways with the outfielder three years into his four-year $66 million deal.
“Jason is a great teammate, hard worker, stand-up guy, and true gentleman,” Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon said in the statement. “Like Jason, we had planned for the kind of production here that he enjoyed in Boston and Pittsburgh, where he established himself as one of the game’s top players. We wish Jason and his family success and happiness in the future.”
Bay will still get paid $21 million from the Mets — the $16 million he was owed next season, $3 million for buyout for 2014 option year and $2 million remaining on signing bonus. The Mets’ motivation was that some of the money will now be deferred, and will not all be paid up front.
“Jason has a tremendous work ethic. There was never any question about it,” Mets GM Sandy Alderson said. “Unfortunately, the results weren’t there and we are in a results-oriented business. We thank Jason for his efforts and wish him well.”
Bay played seven solid seasons for the Pirates and Red Sox when the Mets inked him to the deal before the 2010 season. Since coming to Queens, Bay has batted a miserable .234 with 26 home runs and 124 RBIs. He also missed significant time due to concussions and other injuries.
Bay saved his worst for last for the Flushing faithful batting .165 in what is now his final season with the team. In the second half, Bay was reduced to a platoon in left field. He will now become an unconditional free agent.
“I still feel I have plenty to give to this game and that I can play baseball at a high level. But after serious consideration, both sides agree that we would benefit from a fresh start,” Bay said.
“I’m grateful we were able to reach an agreement to allow that to happen. I’m excited to keep playing and have no intention of just walking away. I enjoyed my time in New York. I have no regrets in signing with the Mets, other than that I wasn’t able to play to the level that the team, the fans and I all expected and that we weren’t able to win more games. I move on with nothing but an appreciation for the organization and its fans and best wishes to all my teammates there.”
With Joel Sherman