The New York Mets are creeping closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster. After releasing Luke Voit on Tuesday morning, the Mets released reliever Phil Bickford later in the day. New York initially designated the righty for assignment last week to make room for J.D. Martinez on the 40-man roster.
Evidently, no team picked Bickford up and the 28-year-old will enter free agency just days before Opening Day. That said, it is possible that he re-signs with the Mets on what would likely be a minor league deal.
New York Mets Release Phil Bickford
The Mets entered spring with a few spots available in their revamped bullpen. Bickford likely possessed a leg up on the competition due to his time with the team last year and by his lack of minor league options. However, he struggled to a 5.79 ERA in 4 2/3 Grapefruit League innings while others pitched well.
Coupled with his performance, Bickford’s salary likely contributed to New York’s decision to release him. The 28-year-old beat the Mets in arbitration this offseason and thus won a $900,000 salary for 2024. However, salaries determined in arbitration are not guaranteed according to MLB’s collective bargaining agreement. Since his deal is not guaranteed and he is released within 15 days of Opening Day, Bickford will receive 45 days of termination pay ($217,742).
If the two sides agreed to a deal rather than going to arbitration, the reliever’s contract would have been fully guaranteed. It’s still possible the Mets would have released him, but he would have pocketed more money in that process. The salary also could have been guaranteed if he made the team. The San Francisco Giants recently made this move with J.D. Davis, and it cost Davis around $5.7 million.
New York initially acquired Bickford right before last summer’s trade deadline for cash from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets needed bodies after trading away several pitchers, while the Dodgers needed roster space. Bickford represented an easy piece that benefited the needs of both sides.
After the deal, Bickford pitched 25 1/3 innings for New York and posted a 4.62 ERA. This performance continued Bickford’s struggles after a breakout 2021 season with the Dodgers. That year, he appeared in 57 games and produced a 2.81 ERA (152 ERA+). However, in the following two seasons, Bickford owns a 4.84 ERA in 128 1/3 innings.
Although he has struggled, Bickford has remained healthy. He likely will latch on with a team for a chance to find his 2021 magic while at least providing valued innings.
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