Mets bolster their bullpen by signing Dellin Betances

The courtship between the New York Yankees and reliever Dellin Betances has been less than civil recently. So much so that when he Yankees weren’t even considering bringing the 31-year-old back into the fold, he decided to sign with their crosstown rivals.

The Mets announced they have signed Betances to a one-year, $10.5 million deal. According to ESPN, he could earn $13 million if he appears in 70 games and there’s a player option for 2021. Additionally, there is a vesting player option for 2022.

‘Twas the night before Christmas…When we signed four-time All-Star RHP Dellin Betances (@DBetances68) to a one-year contract with a player option for 2021!

More Info: https://t.co/49gV6Tt7Z3 pic.twitter.com/ogdRyzKEDj

— New York Mets (@Mets) December 24, 2019

“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,” Mets Executive Vice President and General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen said. “This is a tremendously exciting gift for Mets fans this holiday season in our championship pursuit.”

When Betances was announced as a free agent, it became a no-brainer for the Mets to pick him up. In seven+ seasons with the Yankees, the reliever posted a 2.36 ERA with 621 strikeouts. The four-time All-Star has struck out 100+ batters in five straight seasons. In 2018, he posted a 4-6 record with a 2.70 ERA and 115 strikeouts with a 1.7 WAR.

Injuries plagued him over the last few seasons, and could have also played into the Yankees not having any use for him. Betances was diagnosed with an impingement in his pitching shoulder during Spring Training. In June he sprained his right lat dorsi muscle, not participating in any baseball activity until September.

While injuries have played a factor, the positives can outweigh the negatives. After all, Betances has thrown over 621 strikeouts in 381 2/3 career innings. A flamethrower with a passion like no other, Betances wants the opportunity to prove himself as an elite reliever. As a hometown guy, it just feels right for the four-time All-Star.

“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. 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!”