Seven Mets became free agents as of 9 a.m. Thursday: David Aardsma, Tim Byrdak, Pedro Feliciano, Frank Francisco, Aaron Harang, LaTroy Hawkins and Daisuke Matsuzaka.
With those seven roster spots now free, the Mets formally activated their seven players on the 60-day DL, where they were not counting against the 40-man roster. Those players are Ike Davis, Josh Edgin, Matt Harvey, Jeremy Hefner, Jenrry Mejia, Bobby Parnell and Scott Rice.
Players such as Harvey who are due to miss the 2014 season cannot remain on the 60-day DL during the offseason.
With the Oct. 17 purge that included Mike Baxter and Robert Carson getting claimed off waivers, the Mets' 40-man roster currently stands at 36. The Mets will shed another member of the 40-man roster once Johan Santana's 2014 option is declined.
