Reliever J.J. Putz’s $9.1 million team option for 2010 was not exercised by the New York Mets and therefore making Putz eligible for free agency.  In lieu of the option, Putz was bought out for $1 million.

Putz’s career in New York was not stellar by any means.  He was an off season acquisition from the Seattle Mariners via the blockbuster 3 team trade at the 2008 Winter Baseball Meetings.  He was acquired to be Francisco Rodriguez’s setup man, but fell to injury in June 2009 after going 1-4 in 29 appearances with a 5.22 ERA.

Bleacher Reports indicates that Putz may be headed to the Detroit Tigers as their eighth inning setup man.  However, Putz may be interested in becoming a closer again with closer money.  I wouldn’t expect too much if I were Putz until he can prove that he’s the 2006 & 2007 closer he once was.