Free Agent Signing: Adam Ottavino Returns To Familiar Team

As a proven back-end-of-the-bullpen arm, Adam Ottavino wanted to check out his options in free agency this winter, which is why he declined his $6.75 million option with the New York Mets for 2024. Turns out it might not have been the best decision, as he's now returned to Queens with a one-year, $4.5 million deal. 

Adam Ottavino is back with the Mets pic.twitter.com/QJ1551hkSF

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) January 27, 2024

Ottavino had a nice two-year run with the Mets, posting a combined 2.62 ERA with 141 strikeouts over 127.1 innings. Now at 38 years old, however, it appears his other options on the free agent market weren't very plentiful. He'll return to the Mets for less money than he would have had under his declined option, under a new president of baseball operations in David Stearns and a new manager in Carlos Mendoza. 

Ottavino will be entering his 14th major league season, having also toiled for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies. In q3 seasons, he has a career 3.42 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He's collected 45 saves including 12 with the Mets last season. 

The Mets have added plenty of depth to their pitching staff this winter, also signing Jorge Lopez to the bullpen, while signing starters Sean Manaea, Adrian Houser, and Luis Severino for the rotation.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports