Mets re-signing Ottavino to two year deal

*Photo from Elite Sports NY*

   Already having solved everything else, it's the bullpen's turn. The New York Mets and RHP Adam Ottavino have agreed to a two year, $14.5 million deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The deal has been confirmed.

   With the signing, Ottavino re-joins Edwin Diaz in the back end of the Mets bullpen, a duo that found great success in 2022 with the Mets. Ottavino had one of his best seasons last year, ranking in the 96th percentile or higher in average exit velocity, expected slugging percentage, barrel percentage, and hard hit percentage per statcast, not allowing much hard contact at all.

   In addition to the analytics, Ottavino had equally strong surface stats. He ended the season with a 0.98 WHIP, 2.85 FIP, and 2.06 ERA, logging 66 appearances out of the bullpen, throwing 65 2/3 innings. He allowed one run in one inning pitched in his only appearance of the playoffs last season.

   The deal for Ottavino also includes an opt out after 2023, along with incentives that add an extra $1 million to his bank account if they are reached. Ottavino will see action in the Team USA bullpen in March of 2023, having committed to play for the Americans in the World Baseball Classic.

   Across his career, Ottavino has 12 seasons with 5 different teams, set to enter year two with the Mets in 2023. He has a 3.44 ERA, 3.52 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP, throwing 625 1/3 innings while making 3 starts and 595 relief appearances. He has a 5.68 ERA over 12 2/3 innings and 18 appearances in the postseason.

   With the deal for Ottavino, Mets owner Steve Cohen has now spent $491.1 million in guaranteed money in free agency, with the 2023 payroll now exceeding $350 million. He's added starting pitching, relief pitching, and some offense, with likely more bats to come.

   Ottavino joins Diaz, David Robertson, Brooks Raley, Jeff Brigham, and Elieser Hernandez as bullpen options for the Mets. The Mets have also re-signed Brandon Nimmo while adding Omar Narvaez, Jose Quintana, Kodai Senga, and Justin Verlander.