Adams Finds New Life and Redemption in Oakland
On February 6, the New York Mets made a bold decision by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively dropping him from their 40-man roster. This move could have been the end for Adams, but instead, it marked a new beginning.
As spring training unfolded, Adams found salvation in the form of the Oakland Athletics, who acquired him through a cash deal. The change of scenery has proven beneficial for the 33-year-old pitcher, who has since become an integral part of Oakland's bullpen. Posting a solid 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings, Adams has demonstrated resilience and skill.
High-Stakes Performance
Adams's abilities were on full display Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Athletics defeated the Mets 9-4. In a high-pressure situation with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning, Adams managed to escape unscathed. His composure on the mound was evident as he struck out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning.
Adams's reaction to this critical moment caught the attention of many. Emulating the Mets' "OMG" celebration inspired by infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," Adams struck a pose that resonated with the visiting fans.
"Honestly, I looked up and was so surprised I got out of it. I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' And then it dawned on me, I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' So then I did it. I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun," Adams shared with the New York Post.
Mixed Reactions
The Mets, however, did not take Adams's celebration lightly. Edwin Díaz, a key figure in the Mets bullpen, voiced his opinion on the matter. "He crossed a line because that's something we do when we hit a homer or something. He can do it always, that's fine. But he can't get mad if we do something to him the next couple of days," Díaz commented on the incident.
This tension highlights the competitive nature and emotional stakes of Major League Baseball, where players often wear their hearts on their sleeves. Adams himself acknowledged the impact of being designated for assignment, stating, "I pitch on emotion. I maybe need to do a better job of not doing that. But at the end of the day, big time situation in a game. Got some big outs, got the team a win. You know, when you get DFAed you're told you're not good enough to play for a team anymore. You know it sucks, so yeah had a little extra juice today."
Changing Fortunes
While Adams thrives in Oakland, the contrast in fortunes between the two teams has been stark. Oakland's victory against the Mets extended their winning streak to three games, while the Mets found themselves grappling with a four-game losing streak. This slide has placed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, adding to their woes this season.
For Adams, the move to Oakland has been nothing short of rejuvenating. His performance and subsequent actions at Citi Field serve as a testament to his drive and determination. It’s a story of redemption, as he reestablishes his career after what could have been a career-altering moment when he was let go by the Mets.
The MLB season is long, and its rollercoaster nature offers players like Adams opportunities to make a mark, redeem themselves, and secure their place in the game. For now, the 33-year-old reliever can relish his achievements with the Athletics, having earned his spot and gained a measure of revenge against his former team.