After losing staff ace Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers on Friday, the New York Mets are now exploring other starting pitching options.
Retaining veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt is a possibility.
Bassitt was acquired by the Mets in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.
The 33-year-old won 15 games in 30 starts and posted a 3.42 ERA.
However, the Mets may run into a few problems if they hope to retain the righty.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Bassitt is seeking a deal longer than three years, and it appears that the Mets aren’t in love with the idea of giving him four or five years, especially when the right-hander is about to turn 34.
Chris Bassitt has been seeking a contract of longer than three years. It doesn’t sound like the Mets are enthusiastic about going four or five years on Bassitt, who turns 34 in February.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) December 4, 2022
Mets Unlikely To Sign Bassitt
This could pose a problem for the Mets.
Fortunately, the Mets made a big splash on Monday, signing American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander to a two-year, $86 million contract with a vesting option for the 2025 season.
That signing should help soften the blow of losing deGrom just a few days prior.
Still, Bassitt appears unlikely to return to Queens.
The Mets won 101 games during the regular season, earning a Wild Card spot.
Unfortunately, they fell to the San Diego Padres in the first round, with Bassitt taking the loss in Game 3, which now appears to be his final start in a Mets uniform.
The Mets do have Carlos Carrasco in their rotation in addition to Verlander and Max Scherzer.
The departure of Bassitt could also open up a spot for left-hander David Peterson.
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