NY Mets non-tender candidates: 5 players most likely to be released

The thing to understand about baseball offseason is that sometimes we are treated to a much more intriguing class of free agents than originally believed. By non-tendering a player, teams can forego the possibility of paying an arbitration-eligible player and release him outright. This is how Wilmer Flores’ time with the New York Mets unceremoniously ended a few years ago.

This year’s Mets team has 16 players eligible for arbitration. There are some sure things to get it. Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, etc. will either return to the team or get traded at some point. You can use your best judgment as to what the fates of those three and everyone else not on this list will be. The main point to consider: who on the Mets roster is 1) too costly 2) not worth the money they could get in arbitration or 3) a burden on roster space.

From the 16 players on the list, these are the five I see as the most likely candidates to end up as this winter’s non-tendered. As much as we’d like to invite everyone back for the party in 2022, there are only so many tables at the party.

Please note, all projected salaries come from MLB Trade Rumors.

NY Mets non-tender candidate: Jose Peraza projected to receive $1 million

A million bucks aren’t going to stop the Mets from doing anything this offseason. In Jose Peraza’s case, it’s a matter of not having much else to do with him.

Peraza’s final minor league option was used in 2021 which means the team will have to DFA him to even have a shot at sending him down to the minors. Far more likely, he’s non-tendered and becomes a free agent early on in the offseason.

Peraza had a couple of clutch hits for the Mets. Those few who adore him don’t have to panic completely. There’s always a chance he re-signs with the organization on a minor league deal.

Quite frankly, I’m not sure if it really matters. Peraza is merely Triple-A depth to have. As fun as he was at times in 2021, he still hit only .204.