On February 6, the New York Mets designated right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively removing him from their 40-man roster. As spring training progressed, Adams found a new opportunity with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal. This move proved to be a pivotal moment for the 33-year-old pitcher, who went on to solidify his position in Oakland's bullpen.
Adams Finds Success in Oakland
Since joining the Athletics, Adams has been a dependable asset. He boasts a 3.92 ERA and has recorded 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. His performance has been instrumental in Oakland’s recent success, which includes a three-game winning streak, capped by a 9-4 victory over his former team, the New York Mets, on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
During this game, Adams faced a high-pressure situation in the fifth inning with runners on first and second and no outs. Demonstrating his composure, Adams managed to navigate his way out of the jam unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning. His emotional response to escaping the inning included mimicking the Mets' "OMG" celebration—a gesture inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias’ song "OMG."
A Gesture Sparking Controversy
Following the game, Adams spoke candidly about his actions. "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.
The "OMG" celebration, which the Mets typically perform after hitting home runs, added an extra layer of tension to the matchup. Reflecting on his recent career trajectory, Adams expressed the emotional weight he carried into the game. "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," he admitted.
The Mets, on the other hand, did not take Adams's celebratory mimicry lightly. Edwin Díaz commented on the incident, stating, "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."
Mets Struggle, Athletics Thrive
While the Athletics celebrated their continued success, extending their winning streak to three games, the Mets found themselves on a contrasting path. The loss marked their fourth consecutive defeat, placing them two games behind the third wild-card spot. As the Mets grapple with their struggles, Adams’ journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball, where one player's reassignment can lead to revival and redemption in a new setting.
Adams' story, marked by his departure from the Mets and subsequent rise with the Athletics, is emblematic of the resilience and dynamism inherent in professional sports. Through determination and a touch of emotional fervor, Adams not only found his footing but has emerged as a crucial component of Oakland’s bullpen.