With less than two weeks left in spring training, bullpen spots remain up for grabs on the New York Mets and reliever Dellin Betances is no sure thing to be on the Opening Day roster.
SNY’s Andy Martino reports Betances “is something less than a total lock to make the team.”
Think of it this way: If the Mets don’t like what they see, it’s already a sunk cost. The team is trying to contend for a championship this year. The only question about Betances for them is, “can he help us do that?” Betances has put hard work into his mechanics and repertoire in recent months. So far what scouts see in camp is a delivery in which he exerts effort but still can’t find velocity. He’s a great teammate and a hard worker. Here’s hoping he finds it. But if he doesn’t, and with several other promising bullpen options in camp, there will be a discussion.
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Last month, Betances sounded optimistic about the upcoming season, according to NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller:
“I definitely have something to prove. I want to win the fan base over. I was able to do that with the Yankees, but I’ve done nothing with the Mets. … I think we’re heading in the right direction. The ultimate goal for me this year is to win a World Series. It’s something that I haven’t been able to do in my career, and I think with the team that we have, we have a good chance of doing that.”
However Betances has been on shaky ground this spring thanks to a 10.80 ERA in five appearances, sparking rumors the Mets are interested in trading the right-hander.
Betances joined the Mets one year ago, leaving the Yankees after eight seasons in the Bronx. Betances, a four-time All-Star with the Yankees, made 15 appearances in 2020, compiling an unsightly 7.71 ERA as he worked his way back from a strained right lat and partially-torn left Achilles. In November, the 32-year-old Betances exercised his player option for 2021, which is worth $6.8 million.
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.