NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The New York Mets decided not to offer a new contract to veteran outfielder Richard Hidalgo.
He was obtained in a mid-season trade with the Houston Astros, and briefly recovered from the batting struggles he had experienced early in the 2004 campaign.
Hidalgo was due to be paid $15 million next year, but got a $2 million buyout.
In 86 games with the Mets, Hidalgo had 21 home runs and drove in 52 runs. He played the last five weeks of the season with a strained groin.
General Manager Omar Minaya said Monday he was "open-minded" about Hidalgo returning in 2005.
Hidalgo was one of several players who filed Monday to become free agents and sign elsewhere. Among other Mets were pitchers Kris Benson, Ricky Bottalico and John Franco.
The team said on its Web site that Benson and the Mets are negotiating a new contract.
The right-hander, obtained in a trade with Pittsburgh, was 4-4 for the Mets.
