The New York Yankees have announced the signing of veteran right-handed pitcher Adam Ottavino to a Major League contract, adding him to the active roster.
Ottavino, 39, appeared in 60 relief games for the New York Mets during the 2024 season, compiling a 2-2 record with one save and a 4.34 ERA over 56.0 innings pitched. He recorded 70 strikeouts against 23 walks, allowing 27 earned runs and six home runs. Ottavino excelled against right-handed batters, holding them to a .199/.278/.257 slash line (27-for-136), and stranded 75% of inherited runners (15 of 20).
Earlier this year, Ottavino signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on February 18 but exercised his opt-out clause on March 23.
Throughout his 14-year Major League career (2010, 2012-24), Ottavino has pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals (2010), Colorado Rockies (2012-18), New York Yankees (2019-20), Boston Red Sox (2021), and New York Mets (2022-24). He has amassed a 41-43 record with 46 saves and a 3.49 ERA across 724 career appearances (743.0 innings pitched). Opposing right-handed hitters have fared poorly against him, batting .206/.289/.312 over his career.
Ottavino ranks among the most durable relievers of recent years, appearing in 496 games since 2017—third-most among MLB pitchers in that span. His 461.0 innings pitched rank fifth and his 570 strikeouts eighth among relievers during the same period. He has achieved at least 60 appearances in seven non-shortened seasons (2017-19, 2021-24), a streak matched only by Andrew Chafin.
In his first stint with the Yankees from 2019-20, Ottavino went 8-8 with two saves and a 2.76 ERA (84.2 innings, 26 earned runs) across 97 relief appearances. Notably, he became the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0.
Born in New York, NY, Ottavino was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round (30th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft out of Northeastern University (MA). He was later claimed off waivers by Colorado in April 2012. Ottavino signed a three-year contract with the Yankees in January 2019 before being traded to Boston in January 2021. After stints with the Mets beginning in 2022, he re-signed twice, including a 2024 deal following the 2023 season.
To make room for 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. The Yankees are optimistic about Ottavino’s potential contributions to their bullpen this season.
