The Mets made it official on Tuesday, announcing that they have re-signed a right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino to a one-year deal with a player option for the 2024 season.
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino confirmed last week (news of the deal broke on Dec. 20) that the deal is worth $14.5 million, giving it an AAV of $7.25 million per season.
To make room for Ottavino on the 40-man roster, RHP William Woods has been designated for assignment.
The Mets knew their bullpen was an area that needed to be addressed this offseason, and the club has done exactly that, re-signing Ottavino and Edwin Diazwhile also bringing in Brooks Raley and David Robertson among some other low-risk options like Stephen Ridings, TAyler Saucedo, Jeff Brighamand Rule 5 pick Zach Greene.
Meanwhile, Seth Lugo, Trevor May, Joely Rodriguez and Trevor Williams have all left for other teams via free agency.
The Mets are also a team to keep an eye on with White Sox closer Liam Hendriks being made available, per Martino, although it’s difficult to say whether or not the Ottavino signing could affect them going after Hendriks.
In 66 games with the Mets last season, the 37-year-old posted a 2.06 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 65.2 innings. He also finished with a 30.6 percent K-rate, finishing in the 89th percentile of all pitchers.
Ottavino has proven himself as a strong high-leverage reliever over the course of his 12-year career with the Cardinals, Rockies, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets. He’s posted a career 3.44 ERA while averaging 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Opposing righties have hit just .207 against him for his career.