Kevin Pillar is headed back to the free-agent market.
The Mets and the veteran outfielder had a mutual contract option for 2022, but Pillar declined his $2.9 million option and the team declined its $6.4 million option, triggering a $1.4 million buyout, a source confirmed Thursday. MLB Network first reported the news.
Pillar, 32, who played this season on a $3.6 million contract, hit .231 with an 88 OPS-plus in 124 games (82 starts). He became something of a cult hero after he was drilled in the face by a 94.5 mph fastball from Braves right-hander Jacob Webb in May. The bloody scene left Pillar with multiple nasal fractures, but he returned to action just two weeks later.
Kevin Pillar is a free agent after he and the Mets each declined options on his contract. Corey SipkinThe Mets, who are still in the search for a new executive to run baseball operations, have until Sunday to make qualifying offers to pending free agents Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard.
