Dellin Betances is staying in New York, but he's switching boroughs.
The 31-year-old reliever was officially introduced by the Mets on Thursday. Betances has signed a one-year deal to move from the Bronx to Queens after he had spent the entirety of his career with the Yankees.
Carlos Beltran's newest reliever had horrible luck with injuries last season, but he told the media that he will be ready to take part in spring training.
"I didn't need the surgery … I feel good at this point," said Betances. "I'll be ready to go in spring training, and that's the important part."
Dellin Betances says he'll be ready to go for Spring Training: pic.twitter.com/fDwMO3AS1c
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 2, 2020Betances only made one appearance in 2019 for the Yankees. He was placed on the disabled list in March with shoulder discomfort, which was eventually diagnosed as a bone spur. He remained out until September, and then tore his Achilles tendon in his return to the mound.
It was a cruel year for Betances, but it's a good sign for both him, and the Mets, that he didn't need surgery and feels this confident about being ready for spring training.
The towering reliever also spoke about just how easy he thought this transition to his new team would be.
"I feel like I'm already at home. I know a bunch of the players. So, I think the transition will be easy for me. I'm just excited to expand my career in New York with the Mets."
Betances was born in Washington Heights and grew up in New York City. He said he was "spoiled" due to being lucky enough to continue to play in his hometown.
Later on Thursday afternoon, Betances joined "Joe and Evan" on WFAN to talk about his new team.
"Just playing with him, his love and passion for the game is probably at the top of any other guys I have played with. I always knew he would be a manager. As soon as that managerial spot opened up for the Mets, I felt like 'this is the right guy' ... You don't see many hall of fame players being managers, so for him to take on that role and that responsibility it just shows the kind of guy he is, and what he wants to bring to this Mets culture."
It's unclear what Betances' exact role with the Mets will be, but it didn't matter to him. Betances expressed a willingness to pitch in whatever role the team wants him in.
Betances had a few impressive years for the Yankees before his recent issues with injuries. He made the All-Star team for four consecutive seasons from 2014-2017. In 2014 and 2015 he posted ERAs of 1.40 and 1.50 respectively.
The Mets bullpen struggled heavily last year, so they could really use a reliever who is able to put up those kinds of numbers.
General manager Brodie Van Wagenen seems to have high hopes for the team's bullpen this coming season. He said as much during the introductory press conference for Betances.
"We believe that a healthy and dominant Dellin, combined with Edwin Diaz, and Seth Lugo … this collective group has the potential to be one of the best bullpens in baseball."
The inclusion of Diaz is meaningful. The Puerto Rican closer had a disappointing 2019 season that was filled with blown saves, but the Mets have shown every indication that they are planning to keep Diaz around.
