The New York Mets have announced the release of former first-round draft pick, marking the end of his short tenure with the team. Bickford, a right-handed pitcher, was initially acquired by the Mets in 2023 after being waived by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite his pedigree and flashes of potential, he struggled to find consistent success in New York.
Drafted 18th overall by the San Francisco Giants in 2015, Bickford’s career has been a tale of unfulfilled promise. Once considered a top pitching prospect, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, part of a deal for All-Star reliever Will Smith. Injuries and control issues stalled his progress in the minors, and he eventually transitioned to a relief role. After brief stints with the Brewers and Dodgers, Bickford landed in Queens, where he hoped to revitalize his career.
In 2024, Bickford struggled to establish himself as a reliable option in the Mets’ bullpen. Over 26 appearances, he posted a 4.95 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 36 innings. Though his fastball-slider combination showed promise, inconsistency and high walk rates proved to be his undoing.
The Mets’ decision to part ways with Bickford signals a broader effort to retool their pitching staff under the leadership of new president of baseball operations David Stearns. As the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, they appear focused on identifying more consistent contributors to their bullpen.
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While Bickford’s future in baseball is uncertain, at just 29 years old, he could still find opportunities with other organizations. For now, Mets fans bid farewell to a player who, despite his struggles, gave his best effort in the blue and orange.
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