Mets pitcher Dellin Betances has a $3 million decision to make

Dellin Betances’ future with the New York Mets is all up to him and how he feels about his market value.

Lost in the shuffle of what the New York Mets should or shouldn’t do this offseason is the future of relief pitcher Dellin Betances. You may remember him from such Mets moments as the time he signed with the club and the lackluster performance he put together in limited appearances.

In 15 games with the Mets, Betances tossed only 11.2 innings and came away with some putrid numbers. He was 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA and more than a walk per inning.

Needless to say, it was a year Betances would like to forget.

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However, the big righty’s future could keep him in orange and blue for another year. He has a player option for the 2021 season. If accepted, he’ll earn $6 million. If he turns it down, there’s a $3 million buyout.

In essence, Betances has a $3 million decision to make. Personally, I think some team out there would pay him more than $6 million to possibly pitch for them in 2021.

If money is any consideration at all for Betances, he doesn’t even need a $6 million per year deal to come out as a winner. Settling for anything more than a one-year $3 million deal gets him over what he is set to earn from the Metropolitans next season.

From the perspective of the club, it would be great if Betances comes back. At $6 million, it’s a risk worth taking. This franchise has eaten much more money than that over the years.

Potential injuries remain a big concern for Betances and any club he happens to pitch for. He’s not getting any younger or healthier. Even if all we get out of him in 2021 is one good half-season, I would consider it a victory.

One possibility I would consider in his shoes is to opt-out and then see if Steve Cohen’s money comes calling again. I don’t think it would. Betances’ one chance to pitch for the Mets depends on him remaining under his current deal. He didn’t do nearly enough to earn a raise from them.

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As I said, there are other teams that would be willing to give him more money. Despite the injury concerns, Betances’ track record speaks loudly. He’s someone any team would be thankful to have. The trouble is he comes with a huge health gamble.