Adam Ottavino decided to stay in Flushing after all.
The New York Mets brought the veteran reliever back into the fold Saturday, as the sides reached an agreement on a one-year, $4.5-million contract, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Completion of the deal is pending a physical, Sherman adds.
Ottavino, 38, served as a key piece of the Mets' bullpen over the past two seasons. In 66 outings last year, he posted a 3.21 ERA, 4.52 FIP, and 1.22 WHIP along with 62 strikeouts and 12 saves. Ottavino's 9.0 K/9 rate last year matched his career-worst mark for a full season, but he was one of their few constants in the bullpen last year, pitching in over 60 games for the sixth time in the last seven years.
The New York City native became a free agent in November when he declined a $6.75-million player option. Ottavino said at the time that he opted out after he and the Mets couldn't agree on a restructured contract.
Ottavino adds some quality depth to the Mets' 2024 bullpen behind closer Edwin Díaz. He could work either in a setup role alongside left-hander Brooks Raley or as a middle-inning option against the meat of opposing lineups.
The Mets have added several new pieces to their relief corps this winter, including right-handers Austin Adams, Jorge López, and Michael Tonkin.
