"This was a team that DFA'd me... It was hard for me to accept that ring" - When Austin Adams refused to accept Nationals 2019 World Series ring
Austin Adams made his Major League debut during the 2017 season with the Washington Nationals. He would spend the next few seasons bouncing between the minor leagues and helping out the big-league squad.
In 2019, Washington had a ton of success. They made it to the postseason and shocked man when they defeated the Houston Astros for their first and only World Series title.
Adams was a member of the team that year but was DFA's early on. He only pitched in one game for the Nats that season, making him eligible for a World Series ring. However, when offered, Adams did not accept the ring"
"When they came to me with, 'Do you want a World Series ring,' I was like, 'No.' ... I mean, this is a team that DFA'd me. It was hard for me to accept that ring."
Adams held hard feelings toward Washington. The club let him go during the season and he did not feel he deserved the ring pitching in just one game for the Nats.
Austin Adams has bounced around the league following being DFA'd by the Nationals
It did not take long for Austin Adams to find a new home after being DFA'd by the Nationals. Within a week, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners and pitched in 29 games for them.
The following season, Adams would be traded again, this time to the San Diego Padres. He was part of the Austin Nola and Ty France trade, giving him another opportunity.
He spent a few seasons in San Diego where he would find himself having control problems. During the 2021 season, he became the first player in history to hit 50 batters in under 50 innings of work.
During the 2022 season, Adams ran into some health problems. After straining his right forearm, the righty had season-ending surgery.
Following the 2022 season, Adams elected to become a free agent. He would then go on to sign a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, being assigned to their Triple-A team.
After his year in Arizona, Adams elected free agency again, signing a deal with the New York Mets. He now finds himself in Oakland pitching for the Athletics after the Mets traded him this season. He will be there next season, signing a one-year deal for 2025.