Yankees sign veteran reliever Ottavino to MLB deal

The New York Yankees added a familiar arm to their bullpen, signing veteran reliever Adam Ottavino to a major-league contract, they announced Tuesday.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

This will mark Ottavino's second stint with the Yankees, as he previously pitched for them in 2019 and 2020.

The New York City native spent the last three seasons across town with the Mets, where he was an effective reliever who could work in multiple situations. Although his ERA spiked to 4.34 over 56 innings in 2024, his 11.3 K/9 rate was his highest in four years, and he also countered the higher ERA with a 3.67 FIP.

However, the 39-year-old, who spent spring training with the Boston Red Sox, was roughed up in Grapefruit League play. Ottavino was released by Boston last week after posting a 10.80 ERA with eight strikeouts and five walks in five spring appearances.

Ottavino will likely pitch in more of a middle-relief role with the Yankees, adding some depth to a relief corps that includes left-handers Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough, plus righties Fernando Cruz and Yoendrys Gómez.

The 14-year veteran owns a lifetime 3.49 ERA, 3.61 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP with 859 strikeouts and 46 saves across 724 big-league appearances with five teams.

To make room for Ottavino on the 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred right-hander JT Brubaker to the 60-day injured list. New York also placed closer Devin Williams on the paternity list to open Ottavino's spot on the active 26-man roster.