Red Sox bring back veteran reliever on minor league deal

FORT MYERS, Fla.

The Boston Red Sox had indicated they planned to add at least one more reliever, and Tuesday morning they brought in an old friend to compete for a spot in the bullpen.According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Red Sox have signed right-hander Adam Ottavino to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Ottavino, 39, spent last season with the New York Mets and posted a 4.34 ERA over 60 appearances.Ottavino previously pitched for the Red Sox in 2021, when he was among the clubs top set-up men and played a crucial role in that falls run to the American League Championship Series.

The Northeastern University alumnus appeared in 69 games while posting a 4.21 ERA in his lone season in Boston.Ottavino has played 14 MLB seasons entering 2025, posting a 3.49 ERA in 724 career appearances.Ottavino becomes the thirteenth non-roster pitcher in big league camp and is arguably among the favorites of that group to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Despite a fastball that averages 92-94 mph, Ottavino still averaged 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2024, ranking 86th percentile in strikeout percentage (28.6%), per Statcast..

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