Austin Adams's Bold Move: From DFA to Defiance at Citi Field
On February 6, the New York Mets made a strategic decision by designating right-handed reliever Austin Adams for assignment. This move effectively dropped him from their 40-man roster, casting uncertainty over his career. However, as spring training progressed, Adams quickly found a new home with the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal.
Since joining the Athletics, Adams, now 33, has carved out an important role in Oakland's bullpen. Demonstrating his value, he has posted a respectable 3.92 ERA and recorded 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings. Recently, on a Tuesday night at Citi Field, Adams faced his former team, the New York Mets, in a high-stakes matchup where the Athletics triumphed 9-4.
Adams encountered a critical situation during the fifth inning with runners on first and second and no outs. He managed to weather the storm unscathed, ultimately striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning. In a moment of emotional release, Adams mimicked the Mets' "OMG" celebration after the strikeout, a gesture that holds particular significance for Mets fans.
The "OMG" celebration, inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias' song "OMG," has become a staple for the Mets, especially after hitting home runs. The song was released in June, with Iglesias performing it at Citi Field post-victory on June 28. Adams's choice to imitate this celebration wasn't taken lightly by the Mets, but for Adams, it was a natural outpouring of his emotion under pressure.
"Honestly, I looked up and was so surprised I got out of it," Adams shared with the New York Post. "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."
For Adams, the celebration was more than just a playful act; it was a testament to his journey and the emotions that come with being designated for assignment. "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 continued.
The reactions from the Mets were mixed, with some players taking offense at Adams's gesture. Edwin Díaz commented, "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."
Amidst the tension, this game marked a turning point for both teams. Oakland's victory extended their winning streak to three games, showcasing their growing momentum. Conversely, the Mets found themselves on a four-game losing streak, which significantly impacted their standing as they were placed two games behind in the race for the third wild-card spot.
Adams's performance not only contributed to Oakland's success but also exemplified the unpredictable and emotive nature of baseball. For Adams, escaping a high-pressure situation against the team that let him go was an affirming moment, one that he couldn't help but celebrate, albeit controversially.
As Oakland's season progresses and the Mets aim to reverse their downward trajectory, the narratives and emotions surrounding these teams will continue to unfold. But for Austin Adams, this particular night at Citi Field was a landmark moment in his career, one that vividly captured the highs and lows of life in Major League Baseball.