The New York Mets‘ offseason additions of David Stearns have prioritized volume and depth above big names and lucrative contracts.
Maybe a former Met who fits in halfway in between will be added later by the president of baseball operations? Adam Ottavino is still a free agent and appears to be waiting for the Mets to approach him with the appropriate offer. Ottavino chose to forego the second year at $6.75 million of his contract in early November.
During the “Foul Territory” broadcast on Monday, Ottavino stated, “To be clear, I wanted to stick with the Mets.” Being a New York guy is the finest circumstance for me. My tenure with the Mets was wonderful.
The right-handed reliever played for the Mets for two seasons, during which time he recorded a 2.62 ERA, 10 K/9, and 15 saves in 127 1/3 innings. When he made his choice, Ottavino told The New York Post that he was willing to accept less than $6.75 million, deferrals included, and that he had even discussed a two-year contract. With a 3.42 ERA over 13 years in the game, the veteran understands he must basically play his contracts year-to-year at this point.
With a 38-year-old age and a side-arm delivery, he would seem to match Stearns’ philosophy, since he has prioritized different arm slots and short-term/minor-league contracts for relievers. Ottavino’s pitch mix includes a top-tier sweeper.
Ottavino reiterated the justification he provided to reporters for his decision to withdraw. “It’s just more of a function of having to make the decision at that particular moment,” Ottavino stated on Monday. “With the team, there was just so much uncertainty.”
Ottavino clarified that at that point, the Mets had not appointed a manager, assembled a coaching staff, or added free agents, and he was unsure of the team’s future. Did they wish to engage in conflict?
“I’d still like to go back there, but this time, I’m open to a lot of various possibilities. Ottavino remarked, “I just don’t want to sell myself short.” “I would like the chance to win, as I haven’t done so yet.”
