Mets hope to bring back Adam Ottavino with bullpen decisions looming

Edwin Diaz’s record contract for a closer has settled the Mets’ most prominent bullpen need, but the team remains on the hunt for help ahead of him. 

It’s an area the Mets will look to address heading into the winter meetings, which convene next weekend in San Diego. 

Adam Ottavino was the Mets’ most dependable reliever not named Diaz last season, and the team would like to re-sign him, according to sources. But Ottavino has positioned himself for a significant raise above the $4 million he earned last season and is believed to be seeking a multiyear deal. The Mets would prefer to avoid anything longer than one year for the veteran right-hander. 

Ottavino, 37, pitched to a 2.06 ERA in 66 appearances for the club last season with 79 strikeouts in 65 ²/₃ innings. The Brooklyn native was slump-proof and used for closer’s duties in instances when Diaz was unavailable. 

The Mets’ feeling is that Ottavino enjoys pitching in his hometown — he had a previous stint with the Yankees, who then traded him to the Red Sox — and still could be a piece to the puzzle next season. 

Adam Ottavino
The Mets would like to bring back Adam Ottavino.
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Less likely at this point is the possibility of a Seth Lugo reunion. A free-agent for the first time, the right-hander still hasn’t heard from the Mets, according to sources. Lugo, 33, pitched to a 3.60 ERA in 62 appearances last season. 

Lugo hasn’t been shy over the years in stating his desire to return to a starting role. But Lugo, according to sources, is open to negotiating with teams as either a starter or reliever. The Mets do not view Lugo as a starter, and there is a possibility he will command a multiyear deal in his next contract. 

Injuries limited Trevor May’s effectiveness over his two-year, $15.5 million contract, which expired after this past season. The 33-year-old last week tweeted what might have been a goodbye to Mets fans. 

“Just thinking about how much I enjoyed saying ‘Let’s Go Mets’ after every win and how much I miss it already,” May tweeted. “If I don’t get the opportunity to do it again, it really has been an honor to share it with you guys. I appreciate you all for allowing me to be a part of the ritual.” 

Diaz became the highest-paid closer in major league history by agreeing to a five-year contract worth $102 million the day following the World Series’ conclusion. Since then, Mets general manager Billy Eppler has looked toward small, cost-effective moves for the bullpen. 

Included was a deal with the Marlins for right-handers Elieser Hernandez and Jeff Brigham. It’s possible that Hernandez, 27, will fill the role Trevor Williams held last season as a swingman for the Mets. Brigham, 30, pitched to a 3.38 ERA in 16 appearances for the Marlins last season. Williams is a free agent who has been seeking a starting job. 

The Mets also acquired right-hander Stephen Ridings off waivers from the Yankees. The Mets were clearly tantalized by Ridings’ triple-digit heat in claiming the 27-year-old right-hander. 

“He has electric, powerful stuff,” Mets pitching coach Jeremey Hefner said. “He’s had some injuries that he’s dealt with, but when he’s been active it’s been great. Building the strength foundation this offseason is paramount to allow him to be in position to contribute throughout the season.” 

Joely Rodriguez, in recent days, signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox worth $2 million. That eliminated the possibility of a reunion with the left-hander, who pitched with mixed results for the Mets after arriving in a spring training trade that sent Miguel Castro to the Yankees. 

If the Mets go the trade route to fill their bullpen needs, the Tigers are seen by the industry as a team potentially willing to deal, with names such as Gregory Soto and Joe Jimenez at the forefront.

source: nypost.com