New York Mets DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The Boston Red Sox granted right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino his release on Sunday after he triggered his opt-out clause, a source tells MassLive's Chris Cotillo. Ottavino triggered the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract after he was informed that he wasn't going to make the Opening Day bullpen out of camp. The 39-year-old veteran struggled to a 10.80 ERA with five walks and eight strikeouts in five Grapefruit League innings in spring training, but he's likely to get picked up before long due to his 46 career saves over 14 years of big-league experience. In 60 appearances out of the bullpen for the New York Mets in 2024, Ottavino held a 4.34 ERA (3.67 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, one save, 70 strikeouts, 23 walks and 15 holds as a late-inning setup man. Ottavino has a 3.49 career ERA and 1.28 WHIP over his 14 seasons with five different teams.

New York Mets outfielder/designated hitter Starling Marte (knee) is scheduled to play right field in a Grapefruit League game on Friday for the first time this spring, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Marte is expected to be the Opening Day DH against a left-handed pitcher, but his ability to play the outfield is still important to him. Marte got a late start to spring action due to a bone bruise in his right knee, but he's now been cleared to start playing some defense. The 36-year-old Dominican veteran has gone 3-for-14 with a double and six strikeouts in five Grapefruit League games entering Friday's action. Most of Marte's plate appearances in his 14th year in the big leagues in 2025 should come at DH. At this point in his career, there's little fantasy upside because of his injury risk and the fact that he's unlikely to run much.

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga struck out six batters during his start on Thursday against the Washington Nationals. During his start, he threw 3 2/3 innings, did not allow a hit, walked two batters, and allowed up one unearned run. This was an encouraging outing for the 32-year-old starter, as, during the 2024 season, he was limited to just four appearances due to a shoulder and a calf injury and only had one appearance in the regular season. The Mets and fantasy managers hope he can stay healthy this year because he has showcased ace potential stuff when healthy. Entering the 2025 season, he is expected to open at the top of the Mets rotation.

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz's velocity has been down during spring training games. The stadium radar gun had Diaz's four-seam fastball sitting between 93-95 mph during his Grapefruit League outing on Wednesday, while StatCast has him averaging 95.7 mph with his four-seamer this spring. That would be the 30-year-old right-hander's lowest velocity since 2020. However, manager Carlos Mendoza thinks Diaz's velocity will continue to increase as he approaches real games next week. Two years ago before Diaz injured his knee, he was averaging 99 mph in spring games. A rival scout watching Diaz on Wednesday said he doesn't look like "the same guy." He hasn't allowed a run in his last three spring outings, but his outings haven't been clean, either. It's possible that Diaz won't be throwing as hard as he used to, but it doesn't mean he still won't be an elite fantasy closer.

New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (calf) was forced to exit early during Monday's spring training contest. The left-handed slugger was pulled out of the contest due to a minor calf issue. Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza said that Winker was removed for precautionary reasons. Fantasy managers should consider Winker as day-to-day. The expectation is that Winker will be fine in a few days and this shouldn't impact his status for Opening Day.