In the least surprising news ever, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports that the Mets have released Ryota Igarashi. In 79 appearances between the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Igarashi got shelled to the tune of a 5.74 ERA. His peripherals weren't much better, either, because his strikeouts were largely negated by his walks.
The only reason that the Mets had to officially release Igarashi is that his contract included a provision that he would be granted free agency if he and the team could not reach a new deal at the end of the one he originally signed. Without that clause, Igarashi wouldn't have had an opportunity to reach free agency until he had accumulated six years of service time in the big leagues.
It's been rather obvious that changes were coming in the bullpen for next season, and Igarashi figured to be the first to go. He'll attempt to land a major league gig elsewhere this winter.