Hurler Who Mets Traded For And Immediately Released Headed To NL Foe

The New York Mets have used their large financial resources very creatively since Steve Cohen took over the reins of the organization.

One of the most unique uses of their deep pockets came earlier in the month, when they traded with the Seattle Mariners for a pair of pitchers -- one of which was immediately designated for assignment. 

The Mets traded for Trevor Gott and Chris Flexen, only to release the latter and his $8 million salary -- which allowed the Mariners to free up some salary and the Mets to acquire Gott for only one prospect. 

Flexen has a 7.71 ERA in 42 innings this season but had been a reliable arm heading into the year. The 29-year-old righty posted a 3.66 ERA with a 220-to-91 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .260 batting average against, 1.28 WHIP and 108 ERA+ in 317 1/3 innings over the last two seasons.

Still, the Mets wanted no part of Flexen, who is now headed to the Colorado Rockies according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. He'll be assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque. 

It would have been interesting to see the Mets attempt to get Flexen back to form while bolstering their minor-league depth in the process but New York went in a different direction.