Adam Ottavino returning to Mets' bullpen on one-year deal

The reports already were out there earlier in the evening. But the fact that Adam Ottavino was at a Manhattan event to receive a “Good Guy” award for his media dealings gave him a chance to confirm the news.

The New York native is returning to the Mets’ bullpen for a third season, pending a physical.

The 38-year-old righthander reportedly received a one-year, $4.5 million deal. He had declined his $6.75 million player option after going 1-7 with a 3.21 ERA and 12 saves in 66 appearances for the Mets last season.

“I want to thank the Mets for keeping me around. Let’s go Mets,” Ottavino said in his acceptance speech Saturday night during an annual awards dinner held by the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America at the New York Hilton Midtown.

Gerrit Cole also was on the lengthy awards roster. The Yankees’ ace received two of them, one for being the Sid Mercer/Dick Young New York Player of the Year and one that was a little bigger than that, his first Cy Young Award plaque.

“I’m very humbled by this award,” Cole told the crowd in the grand ballroom. “It’s a truly special honor that fills me with pride.”

Cole had a special season. He went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 222 strikeouts in 209 innings. He allowed two or fewer runs 26 times in 33 starts.

He spoke about his childhood and his mom soft-tossing to him and about him throwing to his dad.

“I still dream most nights of the perfect pitch and the biggest execution in the biggest moment,” Cole said.

In the end, he said, “Thank you to the Steinbrenner family for making me a Yankee.”

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was honored with the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town Award and gave a speech via video.

The Dodgers’ new $700 million man was in the house. Dusty Baker gave the introductory speech before presenting Shohei Ohtani the AL MVP plaque for his final two-way season with the Angels.

“He’s one of the most talented players that I’ve ever seen,” Baker said.

The Japanese superstar stood at the mic and gave his speech in English.

Ohtani expressed his appreciation for his award and thanked the Angels for the past six years. Then he moved on and said thanks “to the Dodgers’ organization for believing in me. I’m looking forward to this next phase in my career.”