5 Mets players who belong on on the trade block right now

Sep 13, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Omar Narvaez (2) and New York Mets
Sep 13, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Omar Narvaez (2) and New York Mets / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next

2) Phil Bickford

Phil Bickford was a player that the Mets acquired at the trade deadline when they needed arms to finish out the year. The right-hander broke out in a big way in 2021 but struggled in 2022 and 2023 with the Dodgers, so the Mets hoped a change of scenery might get him closer to his 2021 form. Things didn't get off to a great start with Bickford in a Mets uniform, but the way he finished certainly gave David Stearns something to think about.

His 4.62 ERA in 25 appearances in a Mets uniform is nothing to write home about, but Bickford allowed just one earned run in 10.2 innings pitched in 12 September appearances. He pitched well enough to be tendered a contract for the 2024 season.

It looked like the right-hander had a guaranteed spot in the bullpen considering the fact that he is out of minor league options, but with all of the bullpen additions the Mets have made, it's now far from a guarantee.

It'd be a pretty bad look for the Mets to guarantee Bickford a contract for the 2024 season and then DFA him before Opening Day, leaving the possibility for a trade to occur. The Mets won't get much in return, but with how well he pitched down the stretch, teams in need of some extra bullpen depth could show interest.