With Tuesday’s 11:59 PM ET Non-Tender deadline looming, the New York Mets weren’t faced with many tough questions. The only question surrounding the deadline for the club was if they would tender shortstop Ruben Tejada a contract or not. Eventually the team settled on retaining Tejada and non-tendering a single player. That man was outfielder Eric Young Jr.
Young Jr. was never expected to get a contract, but the news still comes as a disappointment for many Met fans that loved watching the speed and excitement he brought to the table. Young hit just .229 in 316 plate appearances for the Mets, although he did steal a total of 68 bases in his time with the club, which included the National League stolen base title in 2013 when he swiped 46 bags. Young was also one of the finalists for a Gold Glove in left field in 2013. Young will no doubt find another job elsewhere if for no other reason than his blazing speed.
As for the rest of the Mets arbitration-eligible players, a group consisting of starting pitcher Dillon Gee, reliever Bobby Parnell who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, second baseman Daniel Murphy, closer Jenrry Mejia, and first baseman Lucas Duda; they and the team will head for arbitration hearings.
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