A familiar face will return to the Bronx, as the New York Yankees have officially signed veteran right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract and added him to their active roster. The move brings the 39-year-old Bronx native back to the Bronx, where he previously pitched from 2019 to 2020.
Ottavino’s 2024 Performance
Ottavino spent the 2024 season with the New York Mets, making 60 relief appearances while posting a 4.34 ERA across 56 innings. He recorded a 2-2 record with one save, striking out 70 batters and allowing just six home runs. Notably, he was particularly effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a .199 batting average and stranding 75% of his inherited runners.
Opting Out and Rejoining the Yankees
Before rejoining the Yankees, Ottavino signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on February 18, 2025. However, he opted out of the deal on March 23, making him available for a big league team to attain him.
A Proven Track Record
A seasoned bullpen arm, Ottavino has played parts of 14 Major League seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Yankees, Red Sox, and Mets. Across his career, he has accumulated a 41-43 record with a 3.49 ERA, 46 saves, and 859 strikeouts over 743 innings. His durability and consistency have been a hallmark of his career, ranking among the most active relievers in recent years. Since 2017, only Andrew Chafin and Héctor Neris have appeared in more games than Ottavino, who has logged 496 outings during that span.
Ottavino’s First Yankees Stint
This signing marks a homecoming for Ottavino, who made history during his first stint with the Yankees by becoming the first player in franchise history to wear the number 0. Since signing with the Yankees in 2024, RHP starter Marcus Stroman dons the number 0. In his two seasons with the Yankees, he pitched to a 2.76 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 97 appearances. The Bronx native was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft out of Northeastern University before making his way through multiple organizations.
Roster Moves to Accommodate Ottavino
To accommodate Ottavino on the 40-man roster, the Yankees have transferred right-handed pitcher JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, right-hander Devin Williams has been placed on the paternity list.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Signed RHP Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract and added him to the active roster.
• Transferred RHP JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list.
• Placed RHP Devin Williams on the paternity list.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 1, 2025
What Ottavino Brings to the Yankees
Ottavino’s return adds depth and experience to a Yankees bullpen looking to reinforce its late-inning options. His familiarity with the organization, along with his proven ability to neutralize right-handed hitters, makes him a valuable asset as New York continues to solidify its pitching staff for the season ahead.
