Bassitt and the Mets agree to terms on an $8.8 million contract, avoiding arbitration and keeping the good vibes where they need to be.
The deal is worth $8.65 million for this season and includes a mutual $19 million option for 2023. That includes a $150,000 buyout, bringing the total guarantee to $8.8 million, writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
Both sides came to terms Saturday on a new deal, with an arbitration hearing scheduled for Monday. Now, Bassitt has his new deal, the Mets have a happy starting pitcher, and the beat goes on.
The timing for this deal comes at an ideal time for both sides.
Bassitt has thrived since arriving in New York, going 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA over his first eight starts. Additionally, his old-school approach to the game is winning over the fan base.
The tone was set right from the start this season after Bassitt’s Mets debut, a 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals. Bassitt delivered a a six-inning, eight-strikeout performance.
“I don’t care who you are, I’m coming after you,” Bassitt said after his first start since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics this winter. “I faced [Shohei] Ohtani a lot, I faced [Mike] Trout a lot. I don’t care about the name on the back of your jersey, I’m coming.
“That’s been my mentality no matter who I face. I know he’s probably the best hitter in the world, but I don’t care.”
For Bassitt, and the Mets for that matter, it’s been game on.
With Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer on the injured list, Bassitt is currently the Mets’ No. 1 starter. If the Mets are to continue their winning ways, Bassitt needs to continue his winning ways. A challenge, from what we’ve seen so far, he appears up to meeting.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
