Dellin Betances

Player Data: Age: 32, B/T: R/R
Primary Stats: 15 G, 11.2 IP, 0-1, 7.71 ERA, 4 HLD, 0 HR, 12 BB, 11 SO, 2.057 WHIP
Advanced Stats: 56 ERA+, 4.91 FIP, -0.2 WAR

Free Agent: 2020
2020 Salary:$10.5 M

Grade: D-

2020 Review:

After multiple years of pure domination across the water in the Bronx, right-handed reliever Dellin Betances was catastrophic out of the Mets bullpen in 2020.

Posting a 7.71 ERA across just under 12 innings of work, Betances was far from the reliable bullpen arm they thought they were getting when the Mets signed him to a one-year contract around Christmas.

Before missing practically the entirety of 2019 due to shoulder and Achilles injuries, Betances was one of the best relievers in the league. He was an All-Star from 2014-2017, and in 2018 slotted a 2.70 ERA over 66.2 IP, commanding an impressive 15.53 K/9.

That pitcher was non-existent in 2020.

Betances started off well, making four appearances in July, allowing two hits and striking out two in his first two innings of work. On July 31, he gave up two hits and four earned runs in a game versus the Atlanta Braves, walking two as well. By the end of the month, it was evident that his command was not present.

The 32-year-old’s best month came in August, as he made nine appearances and put up a 3.38 ERA. His command was still off, as he walked five batters in his eight innings of work across the month, and his strikeout rate was lower than usual at just five K’s. But he at least showed some flashes of his former self, prompting some hope in the eyes of Mets fans.

That hope was dashed after he was placed on the IL with right lat tightness, an injury that kept him out for almost a month.

Betances made his first appearance back on September 26th, pitching for one scoreless inning, but walking two batters. The next day Betances only recorded one out and three earned runs on two hits, while walking three. In two appearances during the month of September, Betances walked five batters over 1.1 innings of work; not good.

The biggest concern for Betances moving forward was the huge dip in his velocity. For the first time in his career, Betances averaged less than 97 mph on his fastball for the season. At just 93.6 mph, the right-hander only generated a 13.2% whiff rate on the pitch.

2021 Outlook:

Dellin Betances signed a very friendly contract in the offseason, which he can take advantage of after down year. The deal has a player option worth $6 million. If he choses to enter free agency, Betances gets a $3 million buyout.

If he does choose to return on the option, Betances could still be a reliable option for the Mets. He showed flashes of decency getting into the swing of things in August, and if he can strengthen his body over the offseason and bring his velocity up, he definitely could bounce back.

Hitters’ batting average against Betances sat at .267 in 2020, but just two seasons ago it was .183. After seeing Edwin Diaz rebound from a horrible year last year, it isn’t totally impossible for a flamethrower like Betances to bounce back after a down year. However, his control is still a major issue, and will need to be addressed if he wants any sort of cemented role out of the bullpen.

Then again, there is still a chance that Betances chooses to hit the open market, especially since he will be making $3 million with that buyout. If the 32-year-old wants a change of scenery and thinks he can make more than he’d be forfeiting on that cheap option, maybe Betances won’t be a Met after all in 2021.