Both Castillo and Perez had to feel their demise was imminent as neither player was having a spring training to remember. 

Castillo, 35, signed with the Mets during the 2007 season and only enjoyed success in 2009 when he batted .309 while collecting 147 hits and driving in forty runs while stealing twenty bases. 

Unfortunately for Castillo, he will be cherished more by Yankees fans for dropping a game-ending pop-up by Alex Rodriguez allowing two runs to score resulting in the Mets loss to their cross-town rivals. 

Although the Dominican Republic native was having a decent pre-season at the plate, in one of his final games as a Met, Castillo failed to cover first base on a potential 3-2-4 double-play resulting in loud boos from the Port St. Lucie faithful and possibly sealing his fate with the team.

“I think Luis gave a strong effort,” said Alderson. “We just felt given our other options and where we’re headed as an organization, this was in our best interest and for Luis as well.” 

Manager Terry Collins will continue to platoon suitors for the second base position as Brad Emaus, Daniel Murphy, Russ Adams and Justin Turner all battle for the starting job. 

With Castillo now out of the picture, additional innings will now be available and the coaching staff will get a clearer picture as to who will inevitably get the job. 

“We needed to scale down the competition,” said Alderson. “There will now be more at-bats over the last couple weeks of spring training to fewer competitors and this will accelerate the process.”

As for Perez, the Mets offered every opportunity to secure a spot either in the starting rotation or in the bullpen but his consistent inconsistencies got the best of him. 

During his first two seasons with the Mets, the Mexico native compiled a 25-17 record and was considered a “big game” pitcher, but his inability to stay focused on the mound during his last two seasons earned him a 3-9 record and a lofty 6.81 ERA. His strikeout to walk ratio also suffered in 2009 and 2010 as Perez struck out 99 batters while allowing 100 free passes. 

“When they told me, I almost knew what they were going to tell me,” said an emotional Perez in an interview. “It's just one of those days. I don't feel great, but I'm not going to quit. I think I've got more career.” 

The Mets will have to absorb the $12 million remaining on his contract however it was a move which fares best for the team in the long run. 

Perez, 29, finished his tenure with the Mets compiling a 2-1 record this spring with an 8.38 ERA and allowing nine runs over 9.2 innings of work. In his final appearance, the lefty surrendered back-to-back home runs making the teams decision a much easier one. 

“They gave me the opportunity,” Perez said. “They were fair with me. When I came here, [they said], ‘We're going to give you the opportunity to be a starter,’ and I didn't do anything great. They moved me to the bullpen trying to be a lefty specialist, and the last game, that was a horrible job.”

Perez will likely get a look with another Major League club but only time will tell which direction his career will go. 

The Philadelphia Phillies quickly signed Castillo to a Minor League contract as they continue to monitor the progress of All-Star Chase Utley who is out indefinitely with a knee injury.