The Mets gave their fans a pleasant holiday surprise, announcing Tuesday that they’ve agreed to a one-year contract with free-agent right-hander Dellin Betances. The Excel Sports client will reportedly be guaranteed $10.5MM and secure a player option for the 2021 season in addition to a vesting player option for the 2022 campaign.
The contract is said to promise Betances a $7.5MM salary in 2020, and his player option is valued at $6MM with a $3MM buyout. However, he’ll have the opportunity to boost the value of that option and the potential 2022 option as well.
Specifically, the value of the 2020 option will escalate by $800K when Betances pitches in his 40th game in 2020. It’ll increase by an additional $1MM upon reaching each of 50, 60 and 70 games. As for the second player option, it would vest if Betances exercises the first player option and then appears in 50 games in 2021 — but only at a $1MM base. If Betances appears in 60 games, that base would jump to $2MM (with a $1MM buyout). It’d further increase to $3MM ($1MM buyout) by appearing in 70 games in 2021.
Generally speaking, the base values of Betances’ player options make it unlikely that he’ll be tempted to opt into the additional years of the contract unless he incurs an injury that would pretty severely hinder his earning power. In the event that Betances declines his initial player option at the end of the 2020 campaign, the Mets would have the opportunity to issue him a qualifying offer.
Betances, 32 in March, made four consecutive All-Star teams beginning with the 2014 season and was one of baseball’s most dominant ’pen options from 2014-18 while with the Yankees. Over that span of five years, the New York City native pitched to a pristine 2.22 ERA with a gaudy 14.6 K/9 mark against 3.9 BB/9. Despite pitching his home games in the launching pad that is Yankee Stadium, he averaged just 0.6 HR/9 in that time as well.
The stars looked to be aligning for Betances to cash in on a massive free-agent payday as a result of that half decade of dominance, but a shoulder impingement in Spring Training ultimately wiped out five months of Betances’ 2019 season. And when he was finally healthy enough to return, Betances suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon in his first (and only) appearance of the season.
Those injuries notwithstanding, Betances entered the winter considered to be one of the best bounceback candidates on the free-agent market. Few, if any available relievers can match the upside that he brings to the table. His health troubles surely wiped out the possibility of a substantial three- or even four-year arrangement, but on a short-term pact, Betances has the potential to be one of the winter’s best bargains.
The Mets’ bullpen now features three relievers who, as recently as 2018, were widely considered to be among the game’s elite: Betances, Edwin Diaz and (perhaps to a lesser extent) Jeurys Familia. All three are in dire need of a rebound, but if that trio can come anywhere close to approximating the value it produced back in ’18, the Mets’ relief unit will be an overwhelming strength.
Righty Seth Lugo will give rookie manager Carlos Beltran a fourth high-end option, as he’s coming off a terrific 2.70 ERA and a 104-to-16 K/BB ratio through 80 innings of relief work himself. Lefty Justin Wilson, too, had a strong season — albeit in a more specialized role. Righties Brad Brach, Robert Gsellman and Michael Wacha are currently in line to round out what now looks like an experienced and potentially excellent Mets bullpen.
It wasn’t long ago that the Mets’ 2020 payroll looked to be up against ownership’s comfort threshold, but the recent restructuring of the final year of Yoenis Cespedes’ four-year contract surely gave the club some additional spending capacity. That grievance left the Mets with an additional $18.75MM in resources with which to work — an unexpected development that undoubtedly played a major role in paving the way for this deal.
Andy Martino of SNY first reported the deal (via Twitter). MLB Network’s Jon Heyman added that it was a one-year deal. ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted that Betances received two player options. Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter links) and Anthony DiComo of MLB.com (Twitter link) added details on the option structures and incentives packages.
That is one guy I hate to see go. Absolute beast.
Anyone else see this link that the Wilkins are $350M in debt:
elitesportsny.com/2019/12/23/new-york-mets-news-or…
Yeah it explains a lot. They shouldn’t be ab;e to own a team and the fact MLB let them own a team and hide that fact is a disgrace.
The wilpons? I’m sure the Wilkins are just fine
Juan, auto correct. By they way they are related but don’t want others to know.
HA!!!! good come back. damn iphones alway auto correcting
Anyone who falls for a Ponzi scheme shouldn’t be able to own any professional team
That’s something of a d!ck thing to say. Madoff ruined a lot of lives.
There is always someone smarter than you ready to take your money. I don’t mean you specifically, I mean it generally. You might even be clever enough to figure out 999 out of 1000 scams, but all it takes it 1 to work for you to lose money.
Falls for? It doesn’t work that way.
nope. madoff was offering a ton more interest on money than any other group was.
for the people who had their life savings taken, i can feel bad.
but the wilpons, who benefited from it for years and didn’t care it was too good to be true? nope, screw them (and it’s a shame bernie madoff and his wife failed in their half assed suicide attempt)
Merry thoughts for Christmas, glad you keep the spirit alive.
i disagree and i dislike the wilpons but Mr.
madoff wasnt your average scammer,..
How come these links never work on the app?
I wonder what level of participation that Cohen actually desires. It might just be an investment with the potential icing in cake of running the Mets as a fan.
In regards to the ever increasing values of major sports teams, I see the investment value of the team should it continue to rise. I do not see a point of increasing the ownership stake without going past 80% except for financial reasons. No controlling rights. Should Cohen and Wilpon subvert the requirement for approval by 75% team owners, it would probably anger the them to force sale of team from both owners.
Once the ink is dry on the contract, the Wilpons will be asked to work remotely from home. Cohen would have provided a box in the front row, however the Wilpons requested that they not be exposed to the fans.
He is a successful businessman who will did the team if incompetency,
He didn’t buy the team as a passive fan investor to watch his investment flounder with morons charge.
Brody has one more bad move to make and he will he out.
I think the Mets right now are way better than the Yankees pitching wise.
You hit the eggnog early I see
Not even close
Thanks. I needed a good laugh today.
todd76, I concur with the Mets pitching staff looking better than the Yankee’s pitching staff right now, from the starting rotation to the bullpen. The Yankees might get a good a few years from Cole. I am being conservative with a “few” because once his velocity starts to dip the opposing team’s hitters are going to be rocking him in Yankee stadium.
Man come on outside of degrom everyone is average at best! Cole Paxton Severino German (assuming he’s back with NY) Tanaka is A LOT better than Degrom Thor Stroman Matz Porcello/Wacha
Doesn’t matter about bullpens if you can’t even have a lead past the 6th
And still Diaz Familia and Betances all have to bounce back for it to even be close
But I will say Lugo is nasty so you have that going for you
I am a Mets fan and I would not agree with that statement. Matz, Noah, and Stroman all have a lot to prove next year as neither of them have shown they can be consistent winners.
I do think that Betances is a great signing if he is capable of pitching. Still unclear about the status of the Achilles injury and still wonder why the Yankees are letting him go.
Cole is the only high caliber and healthy option for the Yankees. The rest of the ones you mentioned are mediocre or always hurt. The Mets rotation is much better. deGrom is better than Cole and beyond that Thor is better than anyone else other than Cole on the Yankees. Severino is good but always hurt and Tanaka is old and is average at this point and always fragile. Paxton is mediocre.
Whoaaa Severino had one injury plagued season. Have you seen Tanaka and Paxton the playoffs ? Paxton is 30 years old in his prime and a career 3.5 pitcher. That isn’t mediocre. Tanaka I can understand you saying is mediocre or inconsistent but he isn’t too old yet why are you making things up ?
Thank you! Idk how someone can argue severino and Paxton have issues and Thor doesn’t. Thor had a 4.3 era last year…Paxton was better and tanaka wasn’t much worse, Mets rotation behind Degrom is mediocre at best, unless they somehow take a huge step forward…losing Wheeler was a lot worse than people think.
I do not like this signing; all the money spent on Porchello, Wacka Mole and now Dellin Bigchances we could have signed a legit starter.
Achilles injuries are the worst in orthopedic circles, then add shoulder.
Not happy….
Secondly as a Met fan we are no where near the Yanks; let’s get real here.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Stroman had a better season last year than anybody in the Yankees rotation not named Cole. He had more QS than Tanaka or Paxton. Matz is playing for his job.
@agerst agreed! I have been wondering and trying to discover WHY the Yanks had no interest in bringing him back. Can’t be the relatively small financial package he accepted from the Mets. I can only imagine medical knowledge that concerned them enough to not pick him up.
Carlos15….Maybe you can describe what childbirth really feels like too. I’m sure it will be just as accurate.
Way better Todd?
Ask mommy to give you some of her meds. They are stronger and will reduce your delusion.
@fits65
source???
Hey flex-you may need the meds as well. I didn’t make the crazy prediction that the Mets were way better than the Yankees.
If you want to know what meds you both need, check web.md
What are you smoking? Get rid of that crap!!
@Todd. I mean ya sure, the Mets edge out the Yankees starting rotation but the Yankees have it all over the Mets in everything else. In a 7 game series I think the Yankees take 5 games.
What pitching are you watching…
The Mets are pure trash
Delusion of grandeur…
@todd76
In the last two years using 200 IP over that time as a filter…
Top 100 SP (2018-2019)
#1 deGrom
#3 Cole
#13 Sydegard
#22 Paxton
#33 Severino (missed most of 2019)
#37 Tanaka
#40 Stroman
#59 Happ
#97 German (mostly based off of 2019)
The numbers say otherwise.
I think Cole/Paxton/Severino/Tanaka/German or Happ with Montgomery in AAA might be the best staff in baseball in terms of talent 1-5 in baseball, if all are healthy in 2020.
Hey bully…that’s really insightful using 20” IP over two years. However Noah has never pitched 200, or close to it.
And
I am a Mets fan. Please don’t go there. Be realistic and just hope everyone stays off the DL… Actions speak louder than words or texts.
Lets just hope everyone is healthy and let natire take its course.
*nature
Yes first thing I say damn it
Merry Christmas!!
Nice
Good for the Mets. I would love to know what Eppler is thinking. Heck, I would love know “if” Eppler is thinking.
With what he did this off-season, I’m not sure how he can hold his job.
I feel as though Arte forced Eppler to go after Rendon. The pitching situation can be blamed on either one but ultimately they needed to get at the very least 1 pitcher of the Ryu, MadBum, Cole, Wheeler, Keuchel. And they got none. And for that, If the angels aren’t in the playoffs this season, Eppler needs to go. We can point the blame at Arte or Eppler but It doesn’t matter. Owner will win
True statement. Honestly, as a Yankees fan, I was very concerned about the Angels getting Cole. After him, I was certain they would get one of the top tier pitchers remaining on the market. Surprised they stopped at Rendon.
I like the Rendon move. This is the first time EVER the Angels had a batter hitting behind Trout. Rendon is the best free agent position player this decade. I don’t think there is any questions the Angels 2-5 hitters are the best trio in baseball.
What I don’t understand is not doing much after signing Rendon. They didn’t even try to get Wheeler. What did they think Ryu was going to cost? Where is Jason Castro? Where is Relief help?
If the Angels don’t push 90 wins, Eppler is gone. The Angels need a pitching staff that can’t stay healthy to stay healthy. Why do the Angels think that will happen this year?
2-5 ain’t a trio
Whoops… My bad.
I think they have the best 2-4 in baseball and If Upton hits like he did before he was hurt, 23rd ranked in wRC+, they may have the best 2-5 trio.
Last two years, based on 750 PA, Trout first in wRC+, Rendon 7th, Ohtani 19th.
2-5 or 3-5, I’ll take the Red Sox.
Take Trout out? Well, a lot of 3-5 are going to be better than the Angels. I choose to keep Trout in.
As far as 2-5. Last year, which favors the Red Sox over taking the last two years, Bogarts 14th in wRC+, JDM 16th, Devers 30. And then who?
I don’t know how you can take the Red Sox 2-4 or 2-5.
Betts? He does not always bat lead off and has batted 3rd quite a bit.
Angels fans not to worry. I’d say a trade with Cubs coming. Quintana, Chatwood and Contreras for March and Canning.
Betts is a great player, when he bats second, who are 2-4 and 3-5. .
When Trout is 1st, Rendon is 7th and Ohtani is 19th in wRC+, it’s a hard combo to beat. And if Upton is 23rd, like he was prior to last year, it’s a really hard combo to beat.
I’m not trying to one up anyone, just pointing out that Rendon makes the Angels middle of the order deadly.
Cubs had an amazing 2-6 with Schwarber, Bryant, Rizzo, Baez, and Contreras, but Maddon could never figure that out.
Angels have no pitching they will not be good.
I can see why everyone thinks the Angels have no pitching. It clearly looks like a staff with no top of the rotation starters.
An article on the Mets signing a relief pitcher, and it immediately turns to a dialog on the Angels.
LOL
Betances is a lifetime NY’er. He and his family wanted to stay in the area if possible. They weren’t even interested to going as far west as Philly – whose team wanted him – let alone uproot themselves to go to Southern California on a one or two year contract.
There’s nothing to read into this regarding the Angels.
The most common batting order was Mookie/Devers/Xander/JDM 1-4. And that’s a pretty damn good one.
angel are 4th best team in AL west on paper, we will see how games play out maybe 3rd or 5th.
I’m old school. I just look at traditional numbers. You never put in Betts’ number by your metric. You want to go with 2-4 or 3-5 or 2-5? Make up your mind.
Macstruts how did this become about Eppler
I said good for the Mets, then I said bad for Eppler. I actually picked the Angels to sign him in the free agent contest. Then I responded to posts.
But if that offends you, be sure to never talk about moves that affect the Mets when those moves were made by other teams.
“Think it thru: reasonable question. The same way Ryu was about the Angels. I had both going to the Angels in the free agent contest because the Angels had a need for both.
Good for the Mets, bad for the Angels.
Hey this board is for all baseball, throw in any team you want.
I am a Met fan, born in NY, and now living in SoCal an Angel honk since it does not conflict. and would be happy if it ever did.
pitchers lost affect every team and their fans are welcome to comment on this opinion board that covers MLB nationally.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays for the rest!
@andrewgauldin
I don’t understand your logic. Why would Arte need to “force” Eppler to sign Rendon? Think about it. Eppler wants to be thought of as a good GM. It’s not his money. Why would he need to be forced to spend someone else’s money to put together a team that can compete and thus place him among the games better GMs?
If anything, Eppler may have had to push for Arte to spend the money for Rendon.
Weird take dude.
They might be no better than 3rd or 4th, because even though they are going to score a lot of runs, probably more than this year’s 768, they will not make it to the playoffs with that sorry pitching staff of theirs and that is why the Red Sox missed it this year despite scoring 901, which was 25 more than 2018, but they also gave up 181 more runs than they did in 2018 (828 as opposed to 647).
Once you see how difficult it will be for betances to regain form, you will be comparing him to your second baseman who didn’t play, or your second baseman that shouldn’t play.
Your GMmis a joke.
@fits65
And you know this as a fact how? Bets struck out two of the batters he faced and then injured himself celebrating. Certainly, a player coming off of an injury may not be the same upon his return but it’s not unfathomable. You’re being a negative Nancy and a bit of a Richard,
Bully someone else dude. I know how he was injured.
Look that the timelines for pitchers returning from his new injury. Not just how long the Il/DL stint was, but how long it took to regain their form.
It took Zach Britton and extra half season to regain command.
Stop mouthing off like you know what you are talking about.
Hopefully a typo… Should read Cubs!
Couldn’t afford the price tag
Uhh how would that be a typo
Really?
I was just goofing around. Merry Christmas Mr. Klein
The Cubs are the street urchins of this free agency with their noses pressed against the glass of the department store window looking at all the toys they can’t have.
As a life long cub fan, that statement perfectly sums up this off season! It’s been terrible! They’ve been acting like they have the rays spending power, instead of a major market team coming off a championship a few yards ago. They’ve acquired nearly ALL of the property around Wrigley, and launch their own NETWORK this season!!! The Cubs are making PLENTY of money!!! Shame on them for crying broke!!!
And congrats mets, if those 3 at the back of that pen return to form, that’s plain nasty
With Moe, Larry, Curly, and Kimblow in the bullpen could spell a long year.
Money spent in all the wrong places.
Owner knows fans will pay $50 for bleachers and $10 for a beer why improve.
Got Rizzo, Bryant and Báez that’s all the fans care about
Honestly a lot of us couldn’t care less about Bryant.
Hey some of us don’t drink that cheap st Louis crap. 3 Floyd’s zombie dust is $13.
I’m a Cubs fan, too, but they were top two in spending. The owner spends money. Theo just botched too many signings and trades. It’s really that simple. You need to have a budget. Do we really want to see the day that players are getting billion dollar contracts??? Guys like you will be the first ones complaining about the $100 hotdog and beer. There are also draft slot penalties for going over the tax threshold.
Lol
Merry Christmas Mets fans. Hopefully he’s not giving away games in the 8th inning next season!
Yeah guys with 2.3 career era must blow a ton of games. Keep trolling loser
Whoa guys! I’m a Mets fan and after what happened to Edwin Diaz, I’m very cautious of how excited I should get. Seems like the Mets uniform is some sort of career kryptonite for relievers 🙁
I don’t think his problem will be blowing games.A much bigger problem will be his staying on the field
Other than last year it wasn’t a problem at all. Five straight years of 100K’s or more, a reliever record, 2014-2018.
Except the year that he lost home plate after Labor Day.
And they earn that he couldn’t throw to keep a runner on base.
Don’t get me wrong. He’s a fan favorite. I hope that he has the patience for the Wilpon thriftiness.
Well, he hasn’t exactly been that great as a closer, but as a setup man, almost impossible to hit, which is why his career stats are oh so good.
Blowing games? Have you looked at his stats
Ok? The guy also pointed out to what Edwin Diaz became in 2019. Just because Dellin has been great his career doesn’t mean at one point he can’t become crap.
I wish him well and thank him for his contributions.
I hope that he protects his shoulder given the mileage accumulated.
merry Christmas Mets fans. I’m happy about this
I just read an article yesterday saying how unlikely the Mets are to get him and the Phillies are the most aggressive, and therefore likely, team to acquire him…….. whoops.
Anyway, great for the Mets – you guys scored on this one. I really wish the Yankees would’ve given him another shot. He was dominant and will complement the pitching staff well, imo.
that’s the one place I hoped he wouldn’t go
Good pickup for the Mets. I was really hoping the Dodgers would snag him. The stage is set for a huge bounce back year for him.
Likely not going to be in good form until after the ASG.
fits65 reply
My thoughts exactly, the Met’s will be his rehab stint and if and when he gets to pitching form at the end of the year his contract will be up!
And if he does pitch well at the end of the year it will increase his market value out of the Tampons pay scale. If you were going to take this, Bigchances, then the Met’s should have had some option for the second year.
Achilles and Shoulder not a good sign and as a Met fan I would have liked to see the money spent elsewhere
Van Lunchwagon is an idiot and has a passion for anything ex Yankee.
Yanks are much smarter and they will hang out this year and buy him back if he returns to form or at least consider it the following year.
I am stuck with it so I am hoping even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Happy New Year!
Nice little early Christmas present for Mets fans
2nd day of Chanukah present, LOL. I hope we get the healthy versions of both Betances and Cespedes because we’d be getting both for Cespedes’ original 2019 contract value, assuming he meets all incentives.
don’t see all three Met’s making a come back at least 1 will probably fail maybe 2.
They will make a good double on the golf courses in LI.
Atlanta needs to trade for Arenado
What does that have to do with Betances to the Mets?
I like turtles.
Lol good one.
Team egocentrism!
Now trade Cespedes and Lowrie to the A’s’! What would the Mets want in return?
They’re not getting anything of value for them, that would be a salary dump. I’m a Mets fan, btw.
Just a thank you note
The A’s could feasibly trade for both separately for cash or a PTBNL, but idk why they would get Lowrie, they have Barreto, Mateo, Neuse, Pinder, Allen, Goins and Machnin (the R5 guy) who all can play 2B. Also Cespedes is probably a DH going forward, they already locked KDavis into that role.
There is simply no room for either on the current team (unless trades happen).
Will Harris on the other hand, is a guy the A’s should be giving multi-years to.
I’d keep Cespedes. He’s got a lot to play for. I’d trade Lowrie and the ~$1M contract difference to the A’s for Soria.
A baseball bat and a couple of catchers mitts should do it
Not a thing
No. Stop trying to trade Cespedes.
A week old ham sandwich
It’s a little weird but he reminds me of Armando Benitez. Can be lights out most of the time but has hiccups at big moments. Good move by the Mets, it will interesting to watch them sort out the bullpen. They’ve got to find a reliable closer and then get everyone’s roles decided.
The hiccups occurred because Girardi used him too many times. Dellin is a stud. Also not fair to compare him to Benitez. Armando was a scrub. Strawberry clocked him good back in the 90s
“He reached the 100-strikeout mark in five consecutive seasons from 2014-18, becoming the first reliever ever to do so, and he had a 2.22 ERA and was a four-time All-Star during that stretch.” – mlb.com
Can’t say that about Armando Benitez. Not at all.
I said its a little weird. Thinking about it, Familia is more like Benitez. And yes, girardi followed the yankee blueprint of trying to win every game. torre had that disease as well. Overworked relievers, one WC in 19 years. mo blew two postseasons, 01 and 04. Hopefully betances bounces back beautifully by bolstering bullpen beneficially.
You could also say 2 WS in 20 years… or how many postseasons Mo rocked… but whatever. Another Red Sox ragging session totally unnecessary and out of place, courtesy of hater whyhazer
Not a hater just a realist. I have always called mo the best ever but you have to count everything. Johnny Bench got struck out on a fake intentional walk. That doesn’t make anyone better. yankee fans are such a mess. A combination of cowpokes and Patriots fans, big hats and big pocketbooks.
Yankee fans are cowpoke and Patriots fans? In what universe? “You have to count everything.” But you didn’t, you just counted the negatives. Again. Like the true, obvious hater you have demonstrated you are on a daily basis, more consistently than any other hater on this site. You go out of your way to hate on the Yankees, whether the article is or isn’t about the Yankees. A true, proven hater. Be honest.
You are the most self indulgent entitled fans in all of sports. Bar none. Holy cow! (Thanks Phil.)
“You are the most self indulgent entitled fans in all of sports. Bar none.”
Projection. You are a consummate hater. Admit it.
Hey hay-start respecting Mo by capitalizing his name; especially since you did so for bench.
And you are a DUMB hater thinking that you are self description is realist.
Just admit your character defects and move on.
Yeah Betances was a top five reliever during his peak. Benitez was not close to being that type of a reliever.
Actually, he was, from 1999-2004, pretty comparable. But yes, Betances is better.
Wow. Nice Christmas gift for Mets fans. I’ll miss him in Pinstripes.
The Dodgers should of been all over him
But you have to love all of the (one) move the Dodgers have made during this off-season… an injured relief pitcher who had a terrible 2019.
It makes you wonder if the Dodgers are even going to make any more significant moves this winter. Friedman’s options on the FA market are dwindling, so trades seem like the most likely possibility despite his propensity to not trade ANY prospects away.
As a Mets fan, I love this move. If he sucks, he sucks, but the upside is too good. I feel bad saying it, but shout out to Cespedes for injuring himself and freeing up the money because there’s no way the Wilpons would have spent the money otherwise.
True that. Thank god they’re finally selling the team, and this new owner is something like the 30th wealthiest person in the world. Can’t wait to see them spend like a NY team should.
If you read the article about the Wilpons being 350 million in debt it’s not clear Cohens money will ever make a difference
wilpons and their 350 million debt are out. they get the 2.6 billion from cohen, mets get a clean slate.
Spicy but he’s a local NYer, so it makes sense he’d want to stay close to home.
The Philies have punted on the rest of the off season
Dear fat man,
We haven’t always seen eye to eye. That being said I’m one grateful Mets fan. This was my only ask for Christmas. Maybe I’ll be good next year.
– H
Bartolo Claus is pleased.
I saw this coming. The Yankees were never bringing him back and he was never leaving NYC
makes sense. good move, van wagenenennennn
Now that is a great signing.
I am really sad NYY didn’t resign him. Once he gets into the warmer climates in NY, his strikeout rampage is awesome. HE is certainly more superior than Adam Warren, now that signing, minor league or not is a big joke, just saying. I will miss you DB!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE.
Love this move, hopefully it works out. I wonder if him being good friends with Beltran had something to do with, either way LGFM!
Way to go Klentak! You could have improved your bullpen, but you folded up the offseason after the Didi signing! The Nationals, Braves, and Mets are currently better than us going into 2020!
Lmao I’m a mets fan have u seen the Phils line up? It’s as deep as it gets 1-8, the manager alone should help u win a few more games and The pitching improved, robertson coming back the bullpen will be better.
Lmao – have u seen the Phils play defense, run the bases, pitch, and ignore advancing runners when making an out?
Robertson is out for all of 2020.
cbssports.com/mlb/news/phillies-likely-lose-reliev…
If Robertson comes back, doubtful.
As close to an ‘all risk, no reward’ contract as can be.
??? Troll much? Medium risk, high reward potential. This is from $ off Cespedes’ contract, at least for this year. The risk is more with his player options the following years.
Actually its the other way around. At one year 10.5 mill the contract is almost risk free and getting a top notch reliever who might be lights out is high reward. If he’s no good they are only on the hook for 3 mill if he’s really good he’s gone next year. The risk is minimal
There are no bad 1-year contracts.
You may be a nice guy, but I don’t think you know what “all risk, no reward” means.
Not really. 65-75 innings of under 2.75 era is definitely worth $10m nowadays.
Now imagine if all 3 of Dìaz, Familia and Betances driver “average” years…the Mets would have the best pen in the NL and a top-5 rotation.
not if the rest of the pen includes guys like Sewald and Rhame
S. Lugo, E. Diaz, D. Betances, J. Wilson, J. Familia, B. Brach, R. Gsellman, M. Wacha. There’s no room for Sewald and Rhame
Or Shreve. Last year, Avilan made it as a non-roster invitee. It doesn’t look like there’s room for any of those.
Mets bullpen has potential to be the best in baseball.
Mets bullpen has the potential to be the worst in baseball.
Diaz will bounce back. He is very young and can’t handle NY spotlight. Betances has a lot to play for if he wants to get paid in 2021. Familia would be a great salary dump and would free up a ton of money but no one going to take that on without giving anyone up. Hated taking him back before I even seen him pitch again. Cespedes is another guy who has to play all out of he wants to get paid and at that point come July we can dump him cause he has always been about himself and is a dog otherwise.
Things are shaping up for 2020!!LGM!!!
“Diaz will bounce back. He is very young and can’t handle NY spotlight.”
If he can’t handle the NY spotlight, how will he bounce back?
I believe he will adjust and bounce back, I’m just confused by your comments.
Diaz will not be any better, he loves his fastball which worked in AL but teams in NL can really hit fastball that are in the middle of the plate.
Are you really arguing the AL can’t hit fastballs down the middle of the plate?
He is young and couldn’t handle the spotlight. I couldn’t edit my comment after it was submitted. I think he’ll get use to it and he will adjust. That’s my opinion. Familia he just needs to go.
not the best. even if Betances, Wilson, Brach, Famalia, and Diaz bounce back, (which theres probably a barely non-zero chance of) its a huge drop off from there.
So if those 5 bounce back, and join Lugo, there will be a huge drop off?
You are suggesting the bullpen will be weak other than the top 6 guys?
Yeah, I’m confused by his statement, too. Lugo needs to maintain, not bounce back. Wacha and Gsellman need to improve, but I wouldn’t call them a huge drop-off. The huge drop-off comes if you have to dip into Syracuse for the guys still on the 40-man.
Well done on this signing. If he is even 80% of who he was two years ago it’s a major upgrade. It also gives the Mets a third or 4th option to close.
Now we need a solid right handed outfielder or 3b run producer. Whichever one is added moves JD Davis to the complimentary position.
Team is shaping up nicely.
JD deserves a chance to start
I agree on Davis. I don’t care if it’s left field, right field or third base. Give him all of spring training to focus on his defense and really freshen up that skill set. I saw enough of him at third to believe he could be solid there.
He might be one of the best relief arms in baseball and he might suck. I’d take the gamble on him. Like jakec77 said…that pen could go either way.
Everyone is saying it’s a great signing but the $$$ hasn’t been disclosed yet. If the Mets have enough left over to sign 1 more decent reliever, then it’s a fantastic signing
What a bittersweet winter. Probably my two favorite Yankees the past few years are now both out and they get the best pitcher available. Such mixed emotions. They weren’t winning that way and you can’t have a 100 million$ pen (yet). Ironically, the Cespedes restructure got them Betances, while the Yanks have Ellsbury’s grievance to deal with.
I paint houses and do my own carpentry as well
I still think a move is still on the horizon for the Mets. Wacha was announced as a starter when signed, so one of Stroman/Matz would be my guess as the top trade candidates.
A deal surrounded around Matz and Hedges plus Margot and Ty France would fill some holes on both clubs. Mets would clear a little $ with the deal. Hedges becomes the defensive partner to Ramos. He can come in late in games and close the tight games with his defense behind the plate.
Hate the Mets
Mets fan, Why waste the energy we don’t beat you out?
Hate the Braves.
Nice Get For The Mets
So how much is Betances being paid this yr ?
As a Yankees fan I can say this will be a good pick up for the Mets provided his control issues is in check. He can be very streaky wear for good amount of time is virtually unhittable but then for another good amount of time could not kick the strike zone to save his life.
If the Yankees let a pitcher walk, he’s probably damaged goods.
Not necessarily. Their bullpen is already stacked right now.
They have a rocky arbitration history. My guess is that reared its head for whatever negotiation they had this offseason. Seems both sides stepped back early. Too bad for Yankees fans. Betances is formidable.
He got a 1-yr/$10M contract. Not exactly a premium contract for a “formidable” reliever. Not hating at all, just thinking buyer beware based upon how the Yankees operate. Bad blood or not, the Yankees don’t let talent move on unless there’s performance or health issues.
nice sign by the Mets… very low risk
The league is starting to potentially catch up with LA, their lack of movement thus far and the improvements made by other teams is closing the gap. Until Gonsolin and May prove themselves worthy, LA and their weaker pitching staff is becoming vulnerable.
The league might be catching up but it’s not because the Mets signed damaged goods lol
If he’s healthy this is a good signing. Only one year with the option.
Edwin Diaz 2.0?
the only thing the two have in common is their talent level.
Wow sucks to see him leave the Bronx. Hell of a player, wishing Dellin all the best in Queens
Yes, it is a shame, but they still have a great bullpen, even without him, so it’s okay.
Very true. I wonder if they will still pursue Hader from the Brew Crew
That’s a lot of guaranteed money for a guy who has to prove he’s healthy & still has it.
Good signing…either he bounces back…is dominant and solidifies the 8th inning..
Or he falls victim to the same ish the bullpen dealt with last year. I mean…if Diaz only bounces back to 85% of the guy from 2018…and Familia can put together a 70 inning… sub 3.50 era…
I’d be happy with the bullpen….
As previously mentioned above….Phillies, what are you thinking?
Repeat of last year in so many ways. Weakness in bullpen and starting pitching staff continues to be glaring. But Klentak, you know that as an astute judge of talent! The difference between 2019 and coming season is that you now know what you have. Last year was filled with hope and possibilities. This year it is a given that you are facing 4th or 5th place. Money must be a major factor. Why the illusion to the fans that you guys are trying to put together a contender? If I were Harper I would be “minor league” disappointed. Seriously, what happened to BS stories that Comcast billions would be available to spend in a few years …(now)? Media, where are you on this fraud? WIP, NBC Philly Sports, Inquirrer, and even Blogs… you all drop the ball. No pressure. No Q & A. Merry Christmas.
only a few RP options are off the board yet anyway, and the team is near the cap. matching this deal woulf have been a terrible idea anyway. youre giving over 10 and 1-2 player options to a guy who played 1 game last year and is already 31. no thank you.
He also pitched a 100 K’s a year for five years, a reliever record, from 2014-2018. It’s not like he’s had a career of injuries. One season. And 31 is not ancient, especially for a reliever.
Great sign by Mets
Another move by BVW as he leads the Mets toward their goal.
Last year they improved by 9 wins over 2018
He made solid changes and decisions to achieve it
1 the spring training decision to forego money saving strategy and bring Alonso north with the team ( setting a tone that players production will be#1 priority )
2 acquiring JD Davis on the cheap
3 the acquisition of Cano because of his influence and contribution to Rosario’s growth both offensively and defensively over the course of the season.
4 Upgrading the catcher’s position offensively
5 Addresing the
Please finish your #5
They improved by 9 wins, 8 of which were provided by Alonso, and a full season of McNeil.
Van Wagenen spent a quarter of a billion dollars in minor league talent and future salary commitments and added 0.0 WAR to the 2019 team. It’s important to be honest about this. The bad news is he’s the worst GM in the majors. The good news is a quant like Cohen will recognize that and dump him the minute he can.
Then there’s the 2019=2020 offseason where Van Wagenen had tens of millions to spend and added 0 (zero) premium players. An honest comparison shows the Mets even with Betances are now at best as good as they were in March 2019.
Good move with a decent possible upswing. Mets hope that he reverts to nearly where he was 3 years ago. He could also be the next Trevor Rosenthal.
2 years ago. A beast from 2014-1018. 100 K’s or more. Reliever record. 2.22 ERA over that span.
Nice to face him join our bullpen. All Star quality when healthy. And I’m pretty comfortable that we’ll get a better performance from Diaz or Familia. With Lugo, Wilson Gsellman and Wacha I like our pen much more today than yesterday. LGM
Wilson, Familia, Diaz, Betances, Lugo. That’s pretty solid and unreal if Diaz returns to form.
Mets are in debt of over 350 million dollars. Yet they keep spending money. Yet the Cubs are 5 million over the stupid threshold tax. And they cant sign anyone worth while. No signings above 3-5 million. Smh
wilpons are in debt, not mets. wilpons no longer own the team.
wow happy the Phillies didnt match that very risky.
Treinen’s effort to come back from a horrendous season for roughly the same price is, IMO, much riskier. On top of that, he was injured. Betances has had one season of injury. One. Prior to that he was lights out for five straight years. A good risk.
This:
“Over that span of five years, the New York City native pitched to a pristine 2.22 ERA with a gaudy 14.6 K/9 mark against 3.9 BB/9. Despite pitching his home games in the launching pad that is Yankee Stadium, he averaged just 0.6 HR/9 in that time as well.”
After his first season of injury and its a one year contract!
Sounds like low risk/high reward to me and hate from you.
With all respect
I’d say the risk is higher than you think. His injury/recovery wasnt very encouraging. That said, it still isnt very risky given its a one year deal.
its not a one year contract. it includes a player option.
i’m all in with Mets this year
If Betances, Diaz and Familia pitch to their best…its a pretty solid 7-9th Lugo, Gsellman, Wilson….
Wacha will get bullpen innings…
I think the bullpen is improved….lets hope it shows up on the field
Baring news of the Contract. Seems like a gamble to me.
you might want to refresh
It’s a good contract for both parties
If and it’s a big if, he’s healthy and hasn’t lost the velocity it will be a great signing, if he isn’t healthy or diminished this one could hurt. Stating the obvious but nonetheless.
Thats what i was thinking. Almost every Mets fan in this comment section are assuming they are getting a perfectly healthy version of Betances who didnt just miss an entire season and had velo issues going into said season. If worse comes to worst, considering its only a one year pact, it wont hurt too bad.
I can’t put my finger on it but the Mets bullpen has to figure it out in 2020. The talent is now there. I don’t know if it’s analytics, pitch calling, execution, or some of all three. They could be sufficiently good enough to win a lot of games with their rotation. Then greedy cole could throw a broken bat at Alonso in the subway series. Mets all the way!
Why are you calling Gerrit Cole greedy for accepting a record setting offer? What did you want, him to accept a crappy Mets deal all while he has been a Yankees fan since he was a kid?
“greedy cole.” More hate. Just can’t lay off. Gotta bring the hate wherever you go. Other than that I agreed with your comment and was going to upvote… Greedy Cole. Like he shouldn’t go for top dollar, exactly like Greedy Betts is intending to do next offseason? Will you call him Greedy Betts? Off course not. You’re the most intellectually dishonest fan in all sports.
Minnesota, we’re knocking at the dooooor – CWS.
Really wanted the Phillies to get him,thought he would’ve been nice insurance behind Neris and Dominguez.And he’ll make less than they paid Tommy Hunter,that’s disappointing.But then again,he might’ve preferred to stay home in New York.
I’ve realized since I wrote that,that he actually won’t make less than Tommy Hunter,only way that 2nd year is picked up is if he bombs.If he pitches to his capabilities,it’ll be 1yr-10.5,and he’ll be back on the market next year.
7.5 mil for a guy coming off injury — this is how the pen gets improved ? Mets needed another LH in the pen
Yes when the guy has been lights out most of his career and you’re on a budget.
If Dellin is on they don’t need LH.
As always the Mets dropped the bal here wasting $$$$ on an injured guy — they should have struck early in the offseason for a good pen guy — last thing the Mets needed was another guy who walks alot of ppl
With the new three batter rule the need for lefty specialist is all but gone. Teams need relievers that can get all batters out
I said the Mets needed another LH in the pen I didnt say specialist — with Diaz – Familia and Betances we will now be watching 3 guys with no control
I knew Dellin wasn’t coming back to the Yankees regardless.
Too many contract issues with FO in the past
Great signing for the Mets and their fans should be sending Cespedes thank you cards
LOL
Merry Christmas Dellin!
In typical Mets fashion, this will end in epic failure.
yup just wasted $$$$
Surprised the Cubs didn’t sign belances considering he’s injured.
Hate losing Betances, particularly to the Mets. I’m sure he also wanted to remain in NYC. Congrats Mets fans, you guys got one of the best relievers in baseball.
Typical Mets getting someone cheap. But then again coming of a torn Achilles I was laughing when I heard he wanted 11 million. He is a good pitcher but I just hope for the Mets fans six they don’t blow their top when he has his typical bad July and then August it is kind of what he is known for.
He has a career 2.03 era in July and 2.06 in Aug!
Only better month is May at 1.49 !
Nice try but the facts say NO!
lol
I bet if he had signed with the Yankees your tune would be the exact opposite
Exactly.
What’s wrong with you?
Goldenmisfit, you also sound stupid. We all know how cheap Edwin Diaz was. You complete moron.
@Goldenmisfit
You are not too knowledgeable on any of your “facts” you look foolish in your rant
ON PAPER, the mets and braves could have some of the best bullpens in the NL.
If the Yankees didn’t sign him you know he’s not ready. He’ll play in 20 games. No more. Let the Mets pay him 10.5 to rehab lol after they get Hader the Yankees will pick him up next year when he’s ready.
Oh my
Lol
You sound straight up stupid.
He’s probably right. Name one player the Yankees traded or lost in free agency that was any good. It almost never happens. Betances will probably have lingering health issues for the rest of his career.
Been a Yankees fan my whole life this is true. I think Cashman sees the Achilles injury as being a very big deal. Not to mention they really do not need him and all signs are pointing to them acquiring Hader
@ChiSox
Well they traded Fred McGriff Jeff Weaver Kevin Brown Raul Mondesi Willie McGee Estaban Loiza Javier Vazquez Armando Benitez Jay Buhner and Mike Lowell to name a few.
You seem overly impressed
You’re bringing up guys who played decades ago.
That is true but Cashman has been there a long time, but you are right about that
His hairpiece was bought decades ago as well. Be glad that you don’t sit in the cubicle next to him—he hasn’t washed it during the entire time.
That includes the 1969 and 1986 World Series teams when he wore a hat all season.
Dodgers couldn’t go $11 million to add this guy to the bullpen? All we need is an elite bullpen and we’re set..
Dodgers are playing their fanbase for fools.
dellin said in a spanish interview, that he preffered staying in nyc since hes from brooklyn and lives in new jersey
Never understand why so many of my fellow Yankees fans have such a hard time admitting good Mets moves.
Dellin at this price for a year is a good move.
And as much as I love the Cole signing it makes the Mets DeGrom extension into a genius move.
Dude what is your deal
Stand:
1-You are not a real Yankee fan.
2-Betances won’t pitch effectively until at least August, coming back from the Achilles injury. Read all about it before wishful thinking.
3-DeGrom got the protection for a reason; hence signing an extension. Guess why?
So the Yankees won’t gave this guy the same dang deal wtf?…..
Disappointed my Phillies didn’t sign him. Klentak has signed just about every other reliever over the past two years, none of whom had Dellin’s pedigree. Since the others (Hunter, Neshak and Robertson) all blew up in his face, maybe Klentak is getting a bit gun shy?
Worse than the Phillies not signing Dellin, he signed with a division rival. Man, that Mets bullpen looks super strong. With that bullpen, who knows, this might actually be the year deGrom wins as many games as his peripherals suggest he should.
Lastly, I have no idea why Met fans want to see Nimmo traded. If you guys don’t like him, put him on a train to Philly. Guys with .400 OBP don’t grow on trees. And if they do, take care of those trees!
Don’t worry, you guys got Wheeler who is probably gonna haunt the Mets for the rest of his career. I don’t hate Nimmo but the problem is, he’s not a true CF & there’s no room for him at the corners
As always it’s hard to judge the Mets’ absurd offseasons.
Betances is a good gamble only in the context of Van Wagenen having completely screwed up the offseason to date. The team had 35-40m to spend and is talking about opening up more payroll by packaging Dom and probably an #18ish prospect in the system in order to unload Lowrie. —And what did it do with the money? It added a 6th starter by contender standards, an inexperienced reliever in Wacha, a backup OFer, and now a complete dice roll in Betances.
With the money they had to use they could have added two premium players, of the kind that help drive you towards the postseason. Instead, prior to Betances, they managed to be several wins worse than the team they had as of March 2019. In short, they were pretty much a .500 club. So, might as well add a high risk, high upside player. I mean, why not? But the moves that got them to the point where it made sense were completely inept and ad hoc.
Think of it—For 35m they could have re-signed Wheeler (fwiw they could have had him for 3/45m after the 2018 season, and not a lot more as of the 2019 ASB) swapped out Ramos for Grandal, and instead of dealing a couple of useful minor leaguers for Marisnick added Billy Hamilton for nothing but money, probably 3m. Now instead of bleating about the ‘deepest rotation in the majors’ (sigh), they would have added two very good players, about 6 wins overall, and had a rotation of deGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler, Stroman, and Matz.
What do they have now? A rotation that managed all of 64 starts with above league average ERAs in 2019, and if you include Wacha, 114 starts from pitchers with below league average ERAs.
That’s not easy to do.
Don’t forget Porcello
@Lemonade24 – Fwiw Porcello was my ‘6th starter by contender standards.’ Teams like the Dodgers and Astros will often give no more than a handful of starts to pitchers with below league average ERAs, and Porcello has been very, very far from average. Just not seeing that signing as moving the Mets any closer to the postseason.
Jack, your the man, couldn’t have said it better myself!
As a Met fan i would vote you in as GM over Van Luchwagon.
All that money just to get his name in the media with a bunch of junk moves.
If Bigchanes does get back into form it won’t be until the end of the season when his 1 year is up; just in time to sign a big contract with someone else.
Mets take the chance and the league gets the benefits.
“Righties Brad Brach, Robert Gsellman and Michael Wacha are currently in line to round out what now looks like an experienced and potentially excellent Mets bullpen.”
—Er, let’s try to remember these guys were all replacement level in 2019, and Gsellman’s replacement level for his career. What is it with that guy? Fans seem to think he’s actually good, based on 45 innings in his first season. What does he have to do to convince them he’s the definition of fungible?
I wonder if gsellman would give up number 68 for betances.
He would if he wore # 68 but Gsellman wears #65.
you are right it was mcneil who wore 68, no more though good catch