Austin Adams Finds Redemption with A’s, Spurs Controversy Against Former Team
On February 6, the New York Mets made a significant move by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment, effectively dropping him from their 40-man roster. As spring training unfolded, Adams found himself on the move, securing a new berth with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal.
Adams, now 33, has proven his worth in Oakland’s bullpen, showcasing both tenacity and skill. Over 41 1/3 innings, he has maintained a solid 3.92 ERA while recording an impressive 53 strikeouts. His performance has not gone unnoticed, solidifying his role within the Athletics' pitching staff.
High-Pressure Performance at Citi Field
Tuesday night’s game at Citi Field marked a notable moment for Adams and his new team. The Athletics claimed a 9-4 victory over the Mets, extending their winning streak to three games while handing the Mets their fourth consecutive loss. This loss pushed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, intensifying their playoff race struggles.
In a crucial high-pressure situation during the fifth inning, Adams faced his former team with runners on first and second and no outs. He managed to escape the inning unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the threat. It was a pivotal moment in the game, and Adams did not conceal his emotions.
"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," Adams shared with the New York Post. "I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun."
The "OMG" Celebration and Its Fallout
Adams marked his triumph with a gesture mimicking the Mets’ "OMG" celebration, which was originated by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias. The celebration, inspired by Iglesias' song "OMG," had become a staple following home runs since its release and Iglesias' June 28 performance at Citi Field.
However, Adams’s decision to mirror the celebration did not sit well with the Mets. Edwin Díaz of the Mets commented on the incident, indicating potential retaliatory sentiments: "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, reflecting on the emotional moment, admitted, "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."
Impact on Team Dynamics
While Adams’s emotional response and celebratory mimicry added a layer of drama, it also highlighted the often overlooked personal stakes involved in professional sports. Being designated for assignment—essentially being told you’re not needed—can be a profound moment for any player. For Adams, it added fuel to his already fiery competitive spirit.
As the Athletics continue their season with renewed confidence and momentum, Adams’s journey from being DFAed to delivering clutch performances serves as a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of baseball. For the Mets, the incident might serve as a further rallying point as they seek to snap their losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Only time will tell how this narrative unfolds, but one thing is clear: Austin Adams’s journey is far from over, and his impact on and off the mound continues to be felt.