Red Sox bring back Ottavino to boost bullpen depth

The team adds a veteran reliever to strengthen its pitching staff.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox have signed veteran relief pitcher Adam Ottavino to a two-year contract, bringing him back to the team after he spent the 2022 season with the New York Mets. The move is part of the Red Sox's ongoing efforts to bolster their bullpen depth ahead of the 2023 season.

Why it matters

Ottavino's return to the Red Sox provides additional experience and reliability in the bullpen, which was an area of concern for the team last season. His proven track record as a solid setup man and occasional closer will help stabilize the relief corps and support the starting rotation.

The details

Ottavino, 37, spent the 2021 season with the Red Sox, posting a 4.21 ERA in 69 appearances. He then signed with the Mets as a free agent for the 2022 campaign, where he had a 2.06 ERA in 66 games. The Red Sox are hoping he can recapture that form and provide a veteran presence in the bullpen to complement younger arms like Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck.

  • Ottavino signed with the Red Sox on February 19, 2023.
  • He previously played for the Red Sox in the 2021 season.

The players

Adam Ottavino

A 37-year-old relief pitcher who has spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, including stints with the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, Rockies, and Cardinals.

Garrett Whitlock

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who emerged as a valuable multi-inning reliever for the Red Sox in 2022.

Tanner Houck

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been a part of the Red Sox's starting rotation and bullpen over the past two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Adam Ottavino is a proven veteran who can provide valuable experience and stability to our bullpen. We're excited to have him back in Boston as we look to improve our pitching staff for the upcoming season.”

— Chaim Bloom, Chief Baseball Officer, Boston Red Sox (Red Sox Press Release)

What’s next

Ottavino is expected to report to Red Sox spring training in the coming days and begin preparing for the 2023 season.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's signing of Adam Ottavino is a savvy move to bolster their bullpen depth and provide veteran leadership to a pitching staff that is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign.