Updated Post – Nov. 6, 3:22 pm ET
Adam Ottavino tried to renegotiate his contract with the Mets over the weekend but the organization was disinterested, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Ottavino told the Post he was willing to take less than the $6.75 million for 2024 but with no deferrals. He also was willing to discuss a two-year deal to make him a Met through 2025. The Mets declined to meet his needs and Ottavino declared himself a free agent.
Original Post:
Adam Ottavino declined his player option on Monday, making him a free agent, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Ottavino’s player option was for one-year, $6.75 million. The righty will become a free agent one year earlier and heading into his age 38 season.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Despite being successful in 2023, Ottavino did regress in his 37-year-old season. The righty posted a 3.21 ERA after recording a 2.06 ERA in 2022, and his FIP last season was at 4.52. The main issue with Ottavino in 2023 was walks. He saw his 2.2 walks per nine total in 2022 jump to 4.2 in 2023, raising his WHIP to 1.216.
Now, with Ottavino gone, the Mets bullpen looks slim. Edwin Díaz, Brooks Raley, and Drew Smith are the top three arms in the 2024 ‘pen, and Raley and Smith are the only remaining pitchers who reached 40 innings last season.
Ottavino will be 38-years-old in 2024. He is market value is projected as a two-year, $9.77 million contract by Spotrac.com.
