Oct 9, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) exits the game during the fifth inning in game three of the Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: San Diego Padres at New York Mets
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Chris Bassitt will decline a one-year, $19.65 million qualifying offer from the Mets for the 2023 season.
Bassitt was expected to accept a qualifying offer this offseason, but he’ll opt to test the open market in search of a longer financial commitment. The 33-year-old right-hander finished last year with a 3.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 167/49 K/BB ratio across 181 2/3 innings (30 starts) in his Mets debut.
This comes on the heels of the Mets declining Tijuan Walker’s 2023 option ($19M) as well. With Bassitt, Walker and Jacob DeGrom all officially hitting the open market, the Mets are in jeopardy of losing three starting pitchers from last season.
