On February 6, the New York Mets made a decisive move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. While spring training continued, Adams found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics, acquired through a cash deal. Since then, the 33-year-old has made a significant impact, securing his place in Oakland's bullpen.
Adams has demonstrated his value to the Athletics, delivering a solid performance with a 3.92 ERA and recording 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His recent outing, during Tuesday night’s game at Citi Field, highlighted his ability to manage high-pressure situations. Facing his former team, the New York Mets, Adams skillfully navigated a critical moment with runners on first and second and no outs in the fifth inning, emerging from the situation unscathed. His pivotal strikeout of Francisco Alvarez to end the inning showcased his composure and effectiveness on the mound.
Adams’s Bold Celebration
What caught additional attention was Adams's celebratory gesture following the strikeout. Mimicking the Mets’ "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song of the same name, Adams didn't shy away from some playful taunting. The celebration, typically performed by the Mets after hitting home runs, added a layer of drama to the game.
Adams explained his actions to the New York Post, saying, "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."
While his celebration might have been in good spirits, it wasn't warmly received by the Mets. Oakland's victory extended their winning streak to three games, whereas the Mets found themselves on a four-game losing streak, two games behind the third wild-card spot. The emotions surrounding the incident were palpable.
Mixed Reactions
Adams’s emotions ran high, reflecting the personal challenges he faced since being designated for assignment by the Mets. "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," Adams elaborated.
The Mets, however, did not take Adams’s display lightly. Edwin Díaz, a significant player for the Mets, voiced his thoughts on the incident, "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."
Adams’s Continued Success
Despite the controversy, Adams’s performance has been a morale booster for the Athletics. His ability to handle high-stake moments and contribute to the team's recent success underscores the value he brings to Oakland’s bullpen. The Athletics will look to build on their momentum, and Adams’s resurgence could play a critical role in their continued pursuit of victories.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both the Athletics and the Mets respond to this incident and whether it will add another chapter to the storied rivalries of Major League Baseball. For now, Adams has found a new home in Oakland, one that appreciates his contributions both on and off the mound.