Honorable Mention: Chris Bassitt
Bassitt has been outstanding for the Mets if you take out his two starts against the San Francisco Giants. He is a reliable pitcher that gives you consistency at a high level. Bassitt was originally slated to be the team’s No. 3 pitcher behind deGrom and Scherzer, but he’s now their ace with both out. He’s been an ace before, notably with Oakland for a couple of years before getting shipped to New York in March.
When Bassitt and the Mets avoided arbitration last week, the agreement included a $19 million mutual option for the 2023 season. That seems like a smart move for both sides, and it may be something the Mets might be behooved into optioning, especially if they can’t bring back Jacob deGrom (who is expected to be a free agent after the season). MLB Trade Rumors tabs Bassitt in the honorable mention category, and should be sought after by teams if the sides mutually turn down the large option.
Honorable Mention: Edwin Diaz
Edwin Diaz has the raw talent and abilities to command a contract similar to the one Aroldis Chapman signed with the Yankees before 2017 (5 years and $86 million). Even though he has already blown three saves this season, his Statcast rankings this season have been unbelievable.
Diaz has the best strikeout rate and whiff rate among National League pitchers, and the trumpets from Timmy Trumpets at Citi Field usually spell game over for the opposition when he enters from the bullpen. MLB Trade Rumors has Diaz as one of the eight honorable mentions who didn't crack their top 10 list.