Should the Angels Buy Out Vernon Wells?

News came out today that the New York Mets and Jason Bay reached a deal that will pay him what he’s owed for the remainder of his contract over a few years and allows him to now be a free agent. Bay has not performed to what the Mets thought he could be and it is probably best for both parties that the sever ties and move on. Should the Angels consider doing the same kind of thing with Vernon Wells?

September 19, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Vernon Wells (10) reacts after he is tagged out at first after trying to tag up to second in the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Wells has actually been better than Jason Bay has in his time with the Mets. Bay hit .234 with 26 homers and 124 RBI in his three year tenure with the Mets. Wells in two years has 36 homers and 95 RBI and a .221 average. His $25 million a year salary is cost prohibitive at this point for the team. They declined Dan Haren‘s option, didn’t give Torii Hunter a qualifier and traded Ervin Santana already and are looking to give Zack Greinke a monster contract offer.As Michael Hillwa covered in his piece yesterday, the Angels have about $30 million to spend with some holes in the rotation and bullpen and maybe trying to get another bat in the lineup. If the Angels do re-sign Greinke, that takes up probably 90% of the available money that the Angels have to spend.

Depending on the kind of deal they reach with Wells if they go that route, that could give them a little more flexibility in trying to acquire some extra depth in areas or maybe add a bullpen piece or two. The Mets made the correct decision with Bay, and I think the Angels should go a similar route with Wells. It would give the Angels some financial help and could give Wells the restart to his career that he may need.