In a pair of surprising moves, the team has non-tendered the utilityman and starting pitcher.
After non-tendering three players earlier in the day, the Mets announced that they have non-tendered utility infielder Justin Turner and starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner. Turner was arbitration-eligible, while Hefner was not.
Writing about the potential of non-tendering Turner last month, I incorrectly wrote:
It's pretty clear where the Mets stand on tendering Turner for 2014. Perhaps they'd consider non-tendering or trading him down the road, but for now, he's probably locked up a spot on the team's next Opening Day roster.
Turner hit hit .267/.327/.371 with a 97 wRC+ over the past three seasons and has been able to play all over the infield without much of a problem at any position. As a backup, that's not bad, and MLB Trade Rumors predicted Turner would make $800,000 if tendered this winter.
Hefner is likely to miss all of the 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery this year, but he had a 4.34 ERA and 4.49 FIP in 130.2 innings of work this season. His non-tender isn't a terrible move given the arms in the Mets' minor league system and his injury, but it certainly comes as a surprise.
With five non-tendered players, the Mets now have five open spots on their 40-man roster.
