Mets avoid arbitration with three, 2 remain unsigned

UPDATE 1/16/14: Mets, Murphy avoid arbitration, agree on $8 million deal. 

UPDATE: 1/29/15: Mets, Mejia avoid arbitration, agree on $2.6 million deal.

Today was the deadline to exchange arbitration figures with arbitration eligible players who remain unsigned. The team has brought back Dillon Gee and Ruben Tejada on one-year contracts. Lucas Duda appears to be headed to arbitration.

Dillon Gee and the Mets settled for $5.3 million, which is a reasonable rate given his ability to eat innings. Gee may be surrounded by trade rumors, but he has tried his best to not let it affect his preparation for the 2015 season. 

"It's not like I'm mad. I understand that that's the way things go," Gee told MLB.com. "... it would be like leaving your second home. I know everybody very, very well. I know the whole organization. I know the media very well. You would be leaving the known to go to the unknown." 

"I'm in a weird situation, and you kind of wonder what's going to happen. But, at the same time, I think we all sort of know what we're getting into when we play this sport. It's something that's probably going to happen to everyone at some point. To me, I'm still just trying to get ready every day, and get ready to have a great year in 2015 no matter where that is, and let the rest take care of itself. 

The five year veteran posted a 4.00 ERA in 22 starts for the Mets last year. It was reported that he was being discussed in a potential Ian Desmond trade last week, but that ultimately fell through. It seems incredibly likely that he will be dealt as the Padres, Giants, Rockies, and others have emerged as top suitors. 

Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Tejada, on the other hand, is guaranteed to be a Met at the start of the 2015 season. The 25 year old settled for $1.88 million, which is a fair salary for a backup infielder. The future is unclear for the 5 year veteran, as Terry Collins originally claimed that the starting shortstop gig was up for grabs between Tejada and Wilmer Flores. However, Sandy Alderson quickly doused that flame, saying that Flores was the starter, and Tejada would be used in a utility role. 

In any case, Tejada is certainly capable of providing solid value, given that he is in the right role. 

Other notes regarding arbitration

• Lucas Duda filed for $4.7 million, Mets countered with $3.75 million.
• Jenrry Mejia filed for $3.0 million, Mets countered with $2.1 million.