Right-hander Chris Bassitt, who was traded to the New York Mets from the Oakland Athletics prior to the start of the 2022 season, has officially declined New York’s qualifying offer and will join fellow Mets starter Jacob deGrom on the free agent market.
The veteran right-hander went 15-9 in 30 starts and posted a 3.42 ERA in what could end up being his only season in New York.
4 p.m. Eastern Time today was the official deadline for players to either accept or decline their team’s qualifying offer.
Bassitt elected to decline the offer from the Mets.
Now, the 33-year-old joins a stacked starting pitching class on the free agent market.
Chris Bassitt is officially declining the Qualifying Offer. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 15, 2022
Bassitt Declines QO
It’s possible that the Mets could still retain Bassitt, but if they are to do so, they will likely need to offer him a multi-year contract.
With Tyler Anderson already off the board, having signed with the Los Angeles Angels, teams who are looking for pitching but aren’t in on either deGrom, Justin Verlander, or Carlos Rodon could pivot to Bassitt.
The Boston Red Sox have a few holes in their rotation after Michael Wacha, Nathan Eovaldi, and Rich Hill all hit the free agent market.
Perhaps Bassitt could find a fit there.
The New York Yankees could also be a potential fit.
With Jameson Taillon now a free agent, the Yankees have a hole in their starting rotation after the Jordan Montgomery trade.
Bassitt could potentially head to the other side of the Subway Series rivalry.
Things are about to get exciting.
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