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.
The 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.