Right-handed reliever Carlos Torres has cleared waivers and has decided to elect free agency rather than remain with the New York Mets.
Had Torres remained with the organization, he would have needed to make the Opening Day roster in order to earn the $1.05 million arbitration settlement to which he had agreed. Otherwise, he might have earned far less with Triple-A Las Vegas.
Asian clubs are among those expressing interest.
Torres, 33, lost his 40-man roster spot 10 days ago when the Mets officially signed left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo.
Torres originally was designated for assignment.