The Mets and Marlins discussed a trade that would have sent outfielder Jason Bay to Miami with closer Heath Bell and catcher John Buck heading back to New York, Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday.
The trade would be the ultimate in buyer's remorse between the two teams. The Mets inked Bay to a four-year, $66 million deal prior to the 2010 season, whereas the Marlins signed Bell to a three-year, $27 million accord as part of their free agent rush leading into this year.
Bay was an immediate disappointment, putting up just a .749 OPS with the Mets after posting a .921 mark with Boston in 2009. The Green Monster was a great friend of Bay, and at 31 his already-diminishing power was not helped by Citi Field's deep fences. Bell has terrorized Ozzie Guillen with his failures all season, finally losing his closer role despite the massive price tag after limping to a 5.66 ERA (4.10 FIP).
Bay is owed $19 million beyond the 2012 season, his 2013 salary of $16 million and a $3 million buyout for 2014. Bell makes $9 million in both 2013 and 2014 with Buck -- himself posting just a .582 OPS this season -- making $6 million in 2013 before becoming a free agent.
The Mets save $3 million dollars in this hypothetical deal but have to hold on to Bell for an extra year. The Marlins likely didn't see enough upside in Bay to make the monetary difference worthwhile, though.
Unfortunately for both sides, Bad Contract White Elephant has yet to be established as an offseason ritual, so Bay and Bell will continue to haunt the Mets and Marlins for the time being.
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