The Yankees announced that righty Adam Ottavino cleared waivers, rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and elected free agency. New York designated Ottavino for the second time in a week on Tuesday. He elected free agency following his first DFA and quickly re-signed.
A similar path could play out here, though it’s not a guarantee. Ottavino stated plainly in an appearance on Foul Territory yesterday that at 39 years old and with more than 13 years of big league service, he’s not keen on signing a minor league deal (video link). Ottavino noted he’s open to big league deals with a 45-day advance consent clause — a provision that allows the team to cut a player and not owe him the remainder of his salary, so long as it’s within the contract’s first 45 days — but he doesn’t sound like he’d head to Triple-A.
Ottavino also chatted with host A.J. Pierzynski about his pair of contracts and quick DFAs with the Yankees, noting that the team was up-front with him about their plans and that he was on board with it (video link).
“Devin Williams was on the paternity list,” said Ottavino. “That only lasts three days, so I knew he was coming back. The clock was ticking. Obviously, something could happen there. Somebody could get hurt or underperform and [the Yankees] could change their mind and keep you around. At the same time, I kind of knew that it was going to be a short stay, more than likely. They were up front with that. They were great to me. I have a good relationship with those people over there, a lot of love for them.
…It was great. I knew what it was. I tried to enjoy the three days I was there. I pitched in two of the games. It was great. I never saw myself back in Pinstripes again, to be honest, and it felt great. It was pretty special. … Every day in the big leagues is precious. I’ve had a lot of them, but I don’t take them for granted.”
A native of New York City, Ottavino has spent the majority of the past several years playing with the Yankees or Mets. He posted a 4.34 ERA in 56 innings with the Mets last year and tossed 1 2/3 shutout innings with the Yankees in his brief Bronx return, albeit with four walks against three strikeouts. Dating back to 2022, Ottavino carries a 3.11 ERA, 27.7% strikeout rate and 9.3% walk rate in 185 major league innings.
While it initially looked as though he may be amenable to the frequent DFA carousel role that the Yankees have used with journeymen like David Hale and Ryan Weber in the past, Ottavino’s comments yesterday pretty clearly indicate he’s looking for a more stable situation in a big league bullpen. Time will tell whether that opportunity presents itself, although given his track record and the number of pitching injuries around the league, logic would suggest there should be at least a team or two interested in bringing the righty aboard. It’s not clear, however, whether Ottavino will be selective based on geography, postseason outlook or other factors — only that he’s focused on offers with a quick or immediate path back to the majors.
Later today he will sign a minor league deal with the Yankees.
Not quite. Tomorrow, he’ll sign another MLB deal with the Yankees.
…for three years with a fourth year player option. He obviously demanded an extension after his second game appearance. /s
MLB Trade Rumors is going to start charging him by the post at this point, as they are wasting far too much ink on his travels and tribulations…
NYY is finishing under .500 for the season. He’s signing elsewhere likely. As the NYY play well put together teams they are going to lose many more games like this. I think they will be shut out a record number of times this season.
Groundhog day
Yankees trade Ottavino and a bag of balls to the Braves for Jesse Chavez and a bag of balls!
Same trade in reverse in 3-4 days or
as soon as both pitches one inning!
@Al B Damned – Braves traded some baseballs and bats to an independent team for Kerry Lightenberg.
Yeah, I know. They also traded Brett Butler as a player to be named in the Len Barker trade.
That makes me nervous about the Montero trade with Astros for player to be named!
Leading the majors in MLBTR headlines.
Ottavoptions
Paleobros- you beat me to the pun! well played!
He should just keep signing these deals with the Yankees and Mets and never travel. One inning per home series for each.
All he needs is a Subway Card to pitch for the Mets and Yankees and get an apartment halfway between! He could trade messages with Judge and Soto!
The MTA is phasing out the MetroCard. Better to activate the wallet in your phone and tap your phone to the Omny reader at the turnstile.
Tell us you work for the MTA without telling us you work for the MTA
The Houston Astros GM Dana Brown should go after this guy.. I seen a long in his career he is good.
He’s a Yankee…he’s not a Yankee…he’s a Yankee…he’s not a Yankee…quit jerking him around and make a decision!
“He’s a Yankee..make a decision”…The player can also “make a decision” anytime he wants. No one is threatening Adam or holding a gun or knife to his head.
With Ottavino’s service time and career earnings in the multi millions, it’s fairly clear his dance with the Yankees is by mutual agreement. After all, Adam Ottavino is not some first or second year rube or an out of place country bumpkin.
Adam Ottavino is an extremely intelligent, seasoned veteran who knows how the business side of the game operates. If Ottavino tires of this particular dance, he can try a different team or retire to his multi millions anytime he chooses.
So, just for reference, you’re a fan of the MLB, but not a fan of jokes. Noted..
That took a weird turn. I know it took time for them to type all that too
If Scott Harris signed him, he’d be a Mud Hen…
“If and when Otta whatever makes it up here, I’m going to tell him the only place he’d strike me out is in his dreams” – From his final resting place the late, great Babe Ruth.
Let me guess – Yankees will sign him to a minor league deal tomorrow?
You should read the comments before you make the same comments that have already been made, way ahead of you.
Stupid Cashman move
Just dump Leiter
Cardinals, sign this guy. He can’t be worse than Roycroft or Fernandez. The offense has been great and the bullpen is leaking like a sieve.
He fits the Detroit pick up pitcher profile. Maed, Cobb, and they they can drop Maeda when they sign him. Sure its big money, but the team looks very good this year. They just seen him so it could be a possibility for Detroit.
New York’s bullpen depth leaves little room for aging arms without guaranteed roles. Maybe the Long Island Ducks will pick up his contract?
I’ll bet Dave Dombrowski is interested. That Philly bullpen is looking like it could be a problem.
Snap, I was hoping for him to sign with the Yankees