Right-handed pitcher Phil Bickford was let go by the New York Mets on Tuesday after passing through waivers. He’s the second player this month to be released after winning in salary arbitration.
Bickford, who’s 28 years old, will receive $217,742 instead of the $900,000 salary set by an arbitration panel. This decision came after the Mets offered $815,000.
In baseball, salaries decided through arbitration aren’t guaranteed. If a player with a contract that isn’t guaranteed gets released within 15 days of the opening day, they receive 45 days’ pay. If they’re released earlier in spring training, they get 30 days’ pay.
Earlier this month, third baseman J.D. Davis was released by the San Francisco Giants after winning $6.9 million in arbitration. He received $1,112,903 in termination pay from the Giants. Later, he signed a $2.5 million one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics.
Bickford was designated for assignment by the Mets on Sunday to make room for designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who agreed to a $12 million, one-year contract. Bickford played 25 games for the Mets, earning a 3-2 record with a 4.62 ERA and one save.
Last year, he played a total of 61 games, recording a 5-5 record with a 4.95 ERA. Arbitration-eligible players’ salaries became guaranteed under the 2022 labor contract.
Additionally, the Mets released first baseman Luke Voit from a minor league contract. Voit, a former AL home run champion, batted .118 with one home run and four RBIs in 34 at-bats across 14 spring training games.
