Why Did The Mets Release Jenrry Mejia?

by Joe DeMayo November 20, 2018

After dealing with coming back from a lifetime ban and it seemed like Jenrry Mejia was going to get a second lease on life in baseball, the Mets released him today. Is this the end of the road for Mejia with the Mets? The short answer is: possibly.

Official: The Mets released RHP Jenrry Mejia, who has been working on a comeback after having his lifetime PED ban lifted.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) November 20, 2018

This really could mean a variety of things in regards to the Mets plans. Brodie Van Wagenen could have simply said that he does not want Mejia a part of his Mets. If that’s the case, that’s his call as General Manager. However, there are is a possibility related to this move that could mean that his tenure with the Mets is not over

The Mets had to add him to the 40 man roster by 8PM tonight, and they did not want to do that immediately. It is possible they simply re-sign him to a minor league deal so he has no 40 man roster impact until they choose to do so. This is an avenue roster construction wise where you can keep him but minimize risk and keep open a spot for potential free agents and other trades throughout the off season.