First Luis Castillo, and now Oliver Perez, as this morning the New York Mets released the left-hander despite still owing him $12 million for the final season of his three-year, $36 million contract.
Mets Release Oliver Perez
This move was far from a surprise, as Perez went just 3-9 with a 6.81 ERA in his two seasons with the Mets. This spring, he posted an 8.38 ERA and walked eight hitters in 10 innings.
For his part, Perez said all the right things. Via David Waldstein in the Times:
“They gave me an opportunity,” he said. “They were fair with me. When I came here they said we are going to give you an opportunity to be a starter and I didn’t do anything great. I went to the bullpen to try to be a lefty specialist and the last game I did a horrible job and that’s why they decided to release me.”
Perez still wants to pitch, and he’ll probably get a chance somewhere, even if that’s the Atlantic League. Given his recent performances, it’s hard to imagine him getting a shot with a big-league club anytime soon.
Meanwhile, with Castillo and Perez gone, most of the previous regime's big mistakes are now out of sight (if not completely out of mind). The next step is to get Jason Bay back on track. And if not ... Well, what's $66 million among friends?
For more on Perez and the Mets, check out Amazin’ Avenue.
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