After months of speculation, the New York Mets finally released their erratic lefty Oliver Perez.
The release appeared inevitable at some point this off-season, but the Mets decided to give Perez an opportunity to prove himself during spring training.
Perez auditioned as both a starter and a left-handed specialist but failed to impress. The Mets will be on the hook for the $12 million he’s owed.
Perez’s career highlights for the Mets are rather brief. He pitched six innings of one-run ball against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS (Mets lost).
He tied John Maine for the team lead in wins with 15 in 2007.
Other than that, Perez’s Mets career has been filled with issuing walks, surrendering big hits and refusing to improve his game in the minors.
Here are 10 reasons why the Mets released Perez at the right time.