On Tuesday afternoon, the Mets announced four-time All-Star Dellin Betances signed a one-year contract with a player option for 2021.
Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen is hopeful that Betances can serve as a much-needed bullpen arm for the team.
“Dellin is one of the elite relievers in the game with an incredible track record of pitching on the biggest stage and in playoff games,” Van Wagenen said. “This is a tremendously exciting gift for Mets fans this holiday season in our championship pursuit.”
The signing came after drawn-out talks that the right-handed reliever was “unlikely” to join the team, with some reports that the Dodgers expressed interest. However, the Mets kept pursuit of the 31-year-old, and it’s evident the interest was mutual.
“I love New York,” said Betances. “I grew up in Manhattan. Went to high school in Brooklyn. Played minor league ball in Staten Island. Made it to the big leagues in the Bronx. Now, I’m excited to go win a World Series with the Mets in Queens.”
Betances has had historic seasons with the Yankees and, despite suffering a shoulder injury and partial Achilles tear in 2019, can likely come back and dominate out of the bullpen for the Mets. He was the first reliever in baseball history to have 100 or more strikeouts in five consecutive seasons (2014-2018). He led all relievers in the game in strikeouts from 2014-2016.
The two-time AL Reliever of the Year (2014-2015) will be making a cross-town move with his 2.36 career ERA, 36 saves, and 621 strikeouts in tow.
“Thanks to Fred and Jeff, Brodie, and all the other Mets staff who worked so hard to make possible this next step in my New York journey. Merry ChristMets! Let’s Go METS!” said Betances.
