The Mets have picked up their options on right fielder Jay Bruce and infielder José Reyes
The Mets also turned down Jonathon Niese's $10 million option and will pay a $500,000 buyout. Right-handed reliever Jim Henderson was outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency, and infielder Eric Campbell was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Bruce's option is for $13 million and Reyes will make the Major League minimum, which in 2016 was $507,500.
"We just got better, again today," manager Terry Collins said at the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter's 22nd annual Lou Gehrig Sports Awards Benefit on Thursday. "Jose brought a lot to the table. And Jay Bruce, what happened the first month he was here is not indicative of the player he is, as we all know. Everybody has a down time, unfortunately he had it with us for a month. He showed at the end of the season what he can do and what he can bring to the table. And I'm glad he's back. "
This will be the final season of the six-year, $51 million (plus 2017 option) pact Bruce signed with the Reds after the 2010 season. He was acquired by the Mets at the non-waiver Trade Deadline this season, and he hit .219 with eight homers and 19 RBIs in 50 games with New York after batting .265 with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs in 97 games with Cincinnati.
The Mets went 33-24 after acquiring the veteran outfielder, jumping from third place in the National League East into the first NL Wild Card spot by season's end.