The 28-year-old bullpen pitcher Phil Bickford has been formally released by the New York Mets. The Associated Press reported on March 23 that Bickford was assigned. The purpose of the transaction was to create space on the roster for J.D. Martinez. On March 23, Martinez agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with the Mets, as reported by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
In 2023, Bickford was acquired by the Mets from the Los Angeles Dodgers via trade. Along with Bickford, the Mets gave up cash considerations for left-hander Adam Kolarek. Although Bickford’s deal did not result in a lengthy stay with the Mets, the team is thrilled with J.D. Martinez.
“J.D. is a veteran Major League player with a proven track record,” President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said in a statement, according to DiComo. “His valuable bat will provide protection and extend the lineup. His addition to the club continues our commitment to compete in 2024 and beyond.”
Consequences of Letting Go of Bickford
In 2020, Bickford debuted in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers. His time in Milwaukee would be brief because in 2021 he was dealt to the Dodgers. When the Dodgers acquired him in a deal with the Mets in July 2023, they designated him for assignment. Throughout his career, Bickford is 11-8 with a 4.43 ERA in 180.2 innings pitched.
In 2023, Bickford made 25 appearances for the Mets. In the brief time he was in New York, he pitched to a 4.62 ERA and a 3-2 record. Bickford had been having trouble in the Grapefruit League. He only pitched 4.2 innings with a 5.79 ERA in five outings.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that on February 6, Bickford prevailed in his salary arbitration. Bickford was offered $815,00 by the Mets. An arbitrator awarded a salary of $900,000. But after he’s dismissed, the Mets will only give him $217,742 in termination money.
“Under baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, salaries determined in arbitration are not guaranteed. A player with a nonguaranteed contract receives 45 days’ termination pay if released within 15 days of opening day and 30 days’ pay if released earlier in spring training,” wrote the Associated Press.
Bickford, who prevailed in an arbitration decision, is the second player released this offseason. J.D. Davis was dismissed by the San Francisco Giants following his $6.9 million arbitration victory.
Prospects for the Mets Bullpen
The Mets Bullpen is highlighted by closer Edwin Díaz. After suffering a knee injury at the World Baseball Classic, Díaz was unable to play in 2023. But by 2024, he’s prepared to go. In 3.2 Grapefruit League innings this spring, he has a 2.45 ERA.
The Mets bullpen features seasoned pitchers in Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, Drew Smith, and Jorge López, besides Díaz.
In free agency, Shintaro Fujinami was also signed by the Mets. The Mets and Fujinami agreed to a one-year, $3.35 million contract. But according to DiComo, Fujinami will begin the year in Triple-A. When they signed Fujinami, the Mets announced how happy they were to have him. After having trouble in the spring, he will eventually need to make his way up to the major league team. Fujinami pitched in five Grapefruit League games with an ERA of 12.27.
“We are excited to bring Shintaro into the organization,” said Stearns. “He adds another power arm option to our pen and we’re looking forward to him continuing his progression as a major league pitcher.”