The New York Mets and free-agent reliever Adam Ottavino have agreed to a one-year, $4-million deal, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The pact includes performance bonuses that max out at $1 million.
New York's reported deal with Ottavino puts the club close to MLB's highest competitive balance tax threshold. The Mets' 2022 payroll is projected to be around $286 million with the move, notes Sherman. The new tax line with the heaviest penalties under the collective bargaining agreement is $290 million, and owner Steve Cohen said Sunday the club is likely to surpass that mark.
Ottavino, 36, posted a 4.21 ERA with 71 strikeouts over 62 innings for the Boston Red Sox last season. The veteran right-hander has also pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, and New York Yankees over his 11-year career.
