Ottavino declines Mets option after failure to reach restructured deal

Adam Ottavino declined his $6.75-million player option after the New York Mets refused to restructure his contract, the pitcher told the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

The soon-to-be 38-year-old reliever's deal called for $4 million of his 2024 salary to be deferred. He requested this be changed, offering to take less salary or renegotiate a two-year deal to avoid the deferral of funds. The Mets showed no interest in either option, so he opted to become a free agent.

Ottavino authored a 3.21 ERA and 9.0 K/9 in 66 appearances for the Mets last season. He had a solid first campaign with New York in 2022, posting a 0.98 WHIP and striking out 79 in 65 2/3 innings.

The 13-year veteran has pitched for five teams throughout his career, recording a 10.3 K/9 in 687 big-league frames.