The Mets have released shortstop Ruben Tejada after he cleared waivers, per a club announcement (via Mike Puma of the New York Post, on Twitter). New York will remain obligated for just under $500K of obligations to Tejada for the coming season, having previously avoided arbitration with him for a non-guaranteed $3MM.

Thus concludes an eventful tenure with the Mets for the 26-year-old, who never lived up to the club’s hopes when given a chance at regular playing time but ended up being a useful player and sympathetic figure. After starting the 2015 season as a utility option, Tejada solidified the shortstop position while playing quite a bit down the stretch. His season ended, unfortunately, when he suffered a broken leg during the postseason.

Speculation will immediately turn to his eventual landing spot. The Cardinals are the team with the most obvious need at shortstop, but there will surely be others with interest, too. Tejada isn’t an exciting player, but he has shown the ability to provide sturdy defense with a decent bat. That history, his age, and the fact that New York has already paid down a chunk of the tab make him a fairly intriguing option for clubs in need of a utility piece or fill-in up the middle.