Player Data: Age: 37 (11/22/1985), B/T: R/R

Traditional Statistics: 66 G, 65.2 IP, 6-3, 2.06 ERA, 0.975 WHIP, 79 SO, 16 BB
Advanced Statistics: 188 ERA+, 30.6 K%, 6.2 BB%, 2.35 xERA, 2.85 FIP, 2.79 xFIP, 2.3 bWAR, 1.1 fWAR

Salary: $4,000,000 (free agent in 2022)

2022 Review

The New York Mets had a lot of uncertainty surrounding their bullpen entering the 2022 season. In attempt to address it, they added veteran slider-ball pitcher Adam Ottavino. The Mets added the right-handed reliever via a one-year deal worth $4,000,000. Boy, did that pay dividends, as Ottavino became one of two stalwarts in the Mets’ bullpen last season.

Ottavino turned in the best season of his 12-year career in 2022. He threw 65 2/3 innings while striking out 79. He also posted an ERA and FIP of 2.06 and 2.85, respectively. Each extremely impressive figures. In doing so, he served as the all-important setup man to Edwin Díaz. Each time, doing so almost flawlessly.

Snippet via Baseball Savant.

As you can see via the above snippet from Baseball Savant, Ottavino’s traditional numbers may not be enough to tell how good he was. There was very few instances where he was not reliable, and was called upon basically every other day during the duration of the season. Countless times he had batters befuddled at his slider while time and time again helping the Mets out in big spots.

Speaking of that slider, Ottavino rightfully relied on it heavily. It was his go-to pitch as he threw it nearly 43% of the time. In doing so, it generated a batting average against of .165 and expected batting average against of .161. Ottavino’s whole repertoire is built on that slider, and he had it working for him big time during the 2022 season.

Last season should not come as too much of a surprise. Ottavino has always been a very effective pitcher. Though, spending most of his career in the altitude of Coors Field may have hidden his true impact. Regardless, terrific to see him be so effective for the Mets last season.

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

2023 Outlook

As mentioned above, the veteran Ottavino was only signed to a one-year deal during the 2021 off-season. Given how strong his season was, expect a rightful raise for the New York native.

It was reported, once again, just Saturday that the Mets want Ottavino back in the orange and blue. Though, the issue is going to be for how long. Otttavino is 37 years old, so giving any type of meaningful term would be very dangerous for the Mets. Though, as the Saturday report mentions, Ottavino is allegedly pursuing a multi-year deal.

The money most likely will not be the issue. Are the Mets willing to go past one year? Will the New York City native take a “hometown discount” and settle on a one-year deal? These are both questions that will likely decide if the Mets’ 2022 setup man is back in Queens next season.

Regardless of what happens, Ottavino is certainly someone, despite the age, the Mets are rightfully pursuing to bring back. His performance last year (and his track record overall) was so good a two-year deal, at a potentially lower annual average (than a new one-year deal), can certainly make sense. Though, good to see the general manager Billy Eppler and the Mets interested in bringing back someone who was so good for them last year.