Mets signing Ottavino

*Photo from Over the Monster*

   One reason the New York Mets didn't make the playoffs last year was the pitching staff, so they're trying to fix that. The Mets and RHP Adam Ottavino have agreed to a one year, $4 million deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Mets have confirmed the deal.

   The biggest strength of Ottavino's has been his ability to miss bats. He punched out 71 hitters last season, and has averaged 11.9 strikeouts per 9 innings since 2018, his last season in Colorado. His fastball and slider combination cause for a lot of strikeouts if both are working properly. He ranks the 6th highest among relief pitchers in strikeouts since 2018 as well.

   In 2021, his only season with the Boston Red Sox, Ottavino had a solid season, finishing with a 7-3 record with a 4.21 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, striking out 71 hitters and walking 35, also adding in 11 saves in 62 innings pitched, making 69 relief appearances out of the Boston bullpen. He appeared in 5 playoff games last season, allowing one run in 4 innings pitched.

   Across Ottavino's 11 big league seasons, he has a 32-31 record with a 3.60 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, with 648 strikeouts and 30 saves in 559 2/3 innings pitched, playing for 4 teams and making 3 starts and 529 relief appearances. In 17 career playoff games, Ottavino has a 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA in 11 2/3 innings pitched.

   With Edwin Diaz seemingly entrenched as the Mets closer, and Trevor May as a likely backup option, the Mets won't need Ottavino to close games, although he could occasionally get the call to do so. Instead, he'll probably be a 6th inning or 7th inning reliever most of the time, just needing to get 3 outs, or finish an inning.

   No matter what happens with Ottavino, the Mets are not done adding, as owner Steve Cohen and GM Billy Eppler remain committed to improving the roster, now shifting their focus to a lefty reliever. Ottavino will be in the back of the Mets bullpen alongside Diaz, May, and Seth Lugo, and joins Chris Bassitt as post lockout additions for the Mets.