New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson released shortstop Ruben Tejada today, showing his confidence in the depth of their middle-infield.
By Jeremy Fialkow
From breaking a leg for his team, to breaking away from it, 26-year-old shortstop and 2015 playoff folk-hero Ruben Tejada officially became a free agent, Wednesday, after clearing waivers.
Last season, Tejada became the face of New York’s run to the World Series following a malicious takeout slide by Dodger’s second baseman Chase Utley in Game 2 of the NLDS, snapping Ruben’s right fibula, and prompting New York Mets fans to begin the #WinForRuben movement.
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The immediate fallout of this roster change is actually fairly reassuring for Mets fans.
By cutting the young infielder, Mets GM Sandy Alderson is putting his absolute faith in his new-look middle-infield.
It’s now become evident that Alderson believes newcomers Asdrubal Cabrera and Niel Walker, along with utility-man Wilmer Flores and prospects Matt Reynolds and Dilson Herrera, will provide more than enough infield defense to make up for Tejada’s absence.
Debuting with New York in April 2010, the once-promising Tejada was the second longest tenured Met on the roster before today’s release, behind only The Captain, David Wright.
Since spring baseball began, Tejada’s name had come up in quite a few pre-season trade rumors, so today’s move seemed imminent.
Following arbitration, Tejada was to be owed a $3 million base salary this season. The Mets are now on the hook for paying just $500,000 of that contract.
After six seasons in the Big Apple, he leaves with a .355 average and 148 career RBIs.
