Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino has found a familiar home just over a week after being cut by the Boston Red Sox.
The 39-year-old right-hander has signed a major league deal with the New York Yankees, the team announced Tuesday morning. Prior to his first tenure with the Red Sox in 2021, Ottavino pitched for the Yankees from 2019–20.
During his 724 regular-season appearances, Ottavino, a 14-year MLB veteran with five teams, has recorded a 3.49 ERA, 46 saves, and 194 holds. With at least 60 appearances in each of the last four seasons with a 3.41 ERA during that time, he has proven to be a reliable bullpen arm even in his late 30s.
Adam Ottavino, a former Red Sox pitcher, signs a major league contract with the Yankees.
Ottavino pitched for the New York Mets in 2023 and recorded a career-high 12 saves with a 3.21 ERA. In the 2024–25 offseason, he returned to the Red Sox as a minor league free agent after going 2-2 with a save and a 4.34 ERA for the Mets the previous season. But after finding out he wouldn’t be on the Opening Day roster, he decided to opt out, ending his second stay in Boston.
Ottavino pitched 62 innings in middle relief during his first stint with the Red Sox in 2021, recording a 4.21 ERA and a 3.96 FIP. He was released in part because of his poor performance in 2025 spring training, giving up six earned runs in five Grapefruit League innings with a 10.80 ERA.
Aroldis Chapman became the team’s best closer, making Ottavino expendable despite Boston’s bullpen requirements. Now that he is back with the Yankees, Ottavino might play for his old team on June 6 when Boston and New York meet in the Bronx.
Adam Ottavino Rejoins Yankees on One-Year Deal
NEW YORK — Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino is making his return to the New York Yankees after agreeing to a one-year contract.
The 39-year-old right-hander initially signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox on Feb. 18 but opted for free agency on March 23 after struggling in spring training, posting a 10.80 ERA over five appearances.
Last season, Ottavino went 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA and one save in 60 relief outings for the New York Mets, successfully stranding 15 of 20 inherited runners.
Previously, Ottavino pitched for the Yankees in 2019 and 2020, recording an 8-8 record with a 2.76 ERA across 97 relief appearances. Over his 14-year MLB career, he has played for the Cardinals, Rockies (2012-18), Yankees (2019-20), Red Sox (2021), and Mets (2022-24), compiling a 41-43 record, 46 saves, and a 3.49 ERA.
To make room on the roster, the Yankees transferred right-hander JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list and placed closer Devin Williams on the paternity list.
