The Mets have extended three qualifying offers, making RHPs Jacob deGrom and Chris Bassitt and outfielder Brandon Nimmo three of 14 major-leaguers to get the one-year, $19.65 million offer.
DeGrom was a slam dunk to receive the offer after opting out of his contact, which would have paid him $30.5 million next season and given the Mets a $32.5 million team option for 2024. The righty turns 35 next season, and given recent injury history, this could be his last chance at both a large and long-term deal, so he is likely to decline.
Bassitt declined his mutual option for 2023, valued at $19 million, last week, instead opting for a $150K buyout. The soon-to-be 34-year-old righty is likely in the same boat as deGrom in terms of future earnings, so also may turn down the offer looking for a longer-term deal.
Related
Nimmo hits free agency off a 2022 season where he slashed .274/.367/.433 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI, and 102 runs scored. Nimmo is the best free agent center fielder by WAR by a wide margin and the second-best free agent OF overall behind Aaron Judge, so he is also likely to decline; agent Scott Boras has already said “several” teams have checked in (the Mariners rumored as one), and Nimmo is said to be seeking a five-year deal worth nine figures.
The Mets will receive a compensation pick following the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft for any of their qualifying offer-extended free agents if they sign elsewhere.
Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroWFAN
Listen live to WFAN via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker
Follow WFAN on Social Media:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch