Mets Buyout Johan Santana’s Contract

Johan Santana is officially a free agent for the first time in his career.

The New York Mets opted to buyout the final year of Johan's contact, for $5.5 million, rather than pay him $25 million - a move not unexpected considering his injury plagued stint with the Mets.

But, it is still possibly the Mets would make an offer to re-sign Santana for less, according to CBS Sports:

However, the planned move doesn't necessarily mean Santana will pitch for a different team in 2014, as the Mets have said privately that they will consider bringing him back on a low-risk deal.

Santana missed all of the 2011 and 2013 seasons due to injury. In 2012, he finished with a 6-9 record and a 4.85 ERA - but did throw the first no-hitter in Mets history.