A’s reliever primed for a big season
Michel Otañez broke in with the New York Mets in 2016. In 2021 he was converted from a starter to a reliever and was ranked as the Mets No. 24 prospect by Baseball America. This season he made it into the Athletics bullpen and was a reliable right-handed arm.
How was he acquired?
Otañez was signed as a free agent from the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 9, 2023, and the A’s assigned him to the Las Vegas Aviators.
What were the expectations?
During Otañez minor league career, he amassed a 25-16 record with a 5.07 ERA over 171 innings. He started twenty-six games, and the rest were relief appearances. He compiled eighteen holds and eleven saves over twenty-two opportunities and 356 strikeouts over the course of 278.2 innings.
2024 Results
Otañez was originally called up to the majors on June 10, but he made just one appearance before being sent back down to Las Vegas. He was called up again on July 9 and remained with the big-league squad for the remainder of the 2024 season. During that time threw thirty-four innings and was 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA. He struck out fifty-five batters and had slightly better split verses lefties than righties.
2025 Outlook
With a strong finish last season, it’s easy to envision Otañez in the role of seventh or eighth inning set-up man for Mason Miller. He will likely see some save opportunities when Miller needs a breather.
