Mets Non-Tender Shreve, Tropeano, Sewald, and Jurado

The Mets announced that they’ve non-tendered right-handed pitchers Ariel Jurado, Nick Tropeano, and Paul Sewald and left-hander Chasen Shreve.

Original Post Dec.2, 8:08 PM

Steven Matz will be returning to the New York Mets in 2021

According to Tim Healey of Newsday, the 29-year-old southpaw will earn $5.2 million next season — non-guaranteed and complete with a rip-cord clause allowing the Mets to release him by March 17 with minimal money owed ($832,000, to be exact). He will presumably compete for a spot at the back-end of the rotation.

A second-round pick (72nd overall) of the Mets in 2009 out of Ward Melville High School, Matz has experienced pretty much all the peaks and valleys playing in Queens has to offer. Well, almost all the peaks.

With an assist from octogenarian pitching coach and longtime Mets organizational fixture Phil Regan, Matz enjoyed arguably the finest stretch of his career in 2019, pitching to a 3.52 ERA in the second half. This also included a stretch from August 7 through September 11 where he pitched to a 1.94 ERA (42 K, 13 BB) over 41.2 IP.

The COVID-shortened 2020 season was not as kind to Matz, as evidenced by his removal from the rotation and an eyesore of a stat line (9.68 ERA, 1.70 WHIP over 30.2 innings; nine games, six starts). Some wondered aloud if he’d even be tendered a contract this season.

With capable rotational arms currently at a shortage on the Mets’ roster and a minimal-risk opportunity to bet on Matz bouncing back in 2021, this seems like a no-brainer.

Whether Matz can regain his form is yet to be determined, but the added depth is always nice.

As initially noted by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com and later confirmed by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Mets have tendered right-hander Robert Gsellman a contract for the 2021 season.

Gsellman, 27, appeared in just six games (four starts) for the Mets in 2020, allowing 15 earned runs over 14 innings pitched — 10 earned runs over his final two outings (5.1 innings total) will do that — but he has shown flashes of competency in the past. Consistency is what’s eluded the righty.

A combined 4.45 ERA over 120 relief appearances in 2018 and 2019 (143.2 IP, 130 strikeouts, 51 walks) kept Gsellman in the conversation but injuries and inconsistency have kept him from taking the next step as a major leaguer.

It appears he’ll get another chance to make a mark in 2021. Gsellman is arbitration-eligible through the 2022 season and has two remaining minor-league options remaining, affording New York some roster flexibility and experienced staff depth.

In other news, the Mets came to terms with outfielder Guillermo Heredia on a $1 million deal for next season, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Heredia, 29, was picked up by the Mets off waivers from Pittsburgh in August, appearing in seven games for New York, hitting .235/.278/.588 with two homers over 18 plate appearances.

We’ll keep you posted as more non-tender deadline news continues to roll in.