New York Mets fans won't have to wait for Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the Mets longtime New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances to a 1-year, $10.5 million contract. Incentives could increase the value of this deal up to $14.5 million. There are player and club options for 2021 and 2022.
A native of New York City, the Yankees drafted Betances out of high school in 2006 reaching the majors for cups of coffee in 2011 and 2013. Between 2014 and 2017, Betances emerged as one of MLB's premier set up men earning four straight AL All-Star Team appearances striking out 492 batters in only 306 2/3 innings pitched.
However, in 2019, a shoulder injury kept Betances off the mound until mid-September. Upon his return, Betances tore his Achilles' tendon. Given that the Yankees managed to win 103 games without Betances in their bullpen, the club felt no need to re-sign him. There was some thought Betances, 31, would reunite with Joe Girardi in Philadelphia, but he is close friends with new Mets manager Carlos Beltran.
The question is what Betances' role be in the Mets bullpen? Will he remain a set up man or be the new closer? It could be that Betances, Seth Lugo, Edwin Diaz and Jeurys Familia all compete for the job in spring training. It could also be a bullpen by committee.
Naturally there is a risk that Betances' shoulder and Achilles troubles could impede his progress. This is mitigated by Betances signing a one year deal as opposed to the four year commitment the Toronto Blue Jays have made to the oft injured Hyun-Jin Ryu. Whatever the risk, Mets fans will feel a lot more confident with Betances coming out of the pen to maintain Met leads in 2020.
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