New York Yankees Reunite With Veteran Relief Pitcher Adam Ottavino

Adam Ottavino, who spent the past three seasons with the New York Mets, has inked a major league deal with the New York Yankees ahead of Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankee pitcher Adam Ottavino (0) pitches in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees have signed relief pitcher Adam Ottavino to a major league contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Ottavino previously pitched for the Yankees in 2019 and 2020. He went on to join the Yankees' biggest rivals, playing for the Boston Red Sox in 2021 and the New York Mets between 2022 and 2024.

The 39-year-old righty spent spring training with the Red Sox, going 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA, 2.000 WHIP and 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings before getting released from his minor league deal.

Still, Ottavino is a workhorse who ranks third among all MLB pitchers with 496 appearances since the start of the 2017 season.

Closer Devin Williams hitting the paternity list freed up a spot for Ottavino on the active 26-man roster. As for the 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred right-handed pitcher JT Brubaker from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, keeping him out through the end of May.

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

Ottavino spent seven seasons with the Colorado Rockies before initially making his way to the Bronx. He went 6-5 with a 1.90 ERA and 2.3 WAR in 2019 before going 2-3 with a 5.89 ERA and -0.1 WAR in 2020, convincing New York to trade him to Boston.

After posting a 7-3 record, 4.21 ERA and 0.8 WAR with the Red Sox in 2021, Ottavino went 6-3 with a 2.06 ERA and 2.3 WAR with the Mets in 2022. Ottavino remained relevant with a 3.21 ERA, 1.2 WAR and 12 saves in 2023, but had a 4.34 ERA and 0.0 WAR in 2024.

The Yankees lost Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Tim Mayza from their bullpen over the winter, replacing them with Williams, Jonathan Loaisiga and Ryan Yarbrough. With Williams out for at least the next few days, though, it makes sense to bring in a familiar face who has proven capable of carving out significant MLB roles in the past.

Ottavino could pitch as soon as Tuesday, when the 3-0 Yankees open up their series against the 2-2 Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch from Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

Related MLB Stories

• LYNN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT: Lance Lynn made two All-Star appearances and earned Cy Young votes in three of his 13 MLB seasons before deciding to hang up his cleats on Tuesday. CLICK HERE

• A'S SUFFER BRUTAL BEATDOWN: Not only will the A's be playing in a minor league park for the next three years, but their first game at the stadium made for one of the most lopsided home openers in a century. CLICK HERE

• ARRÁEZ SNAPS HISTORIC SLUMP: Reigning batting champion Luis Arráez finally recorded his first hit of 2025 on Monday, snapping an 0-for-16 skid across the Padres' first five games. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.