Red Sox Release Veteran Reliever Before Opening Day

The Boston Red Sox took a flier and reunited with relief pitcher Adam Ottavino this offseason.

Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who emphasized the importance of bullpen depth, signed Ottavino to a minor league contract in February. The 39-year-old was granted a chance to compete for a big league roster spot in spring training, however, Ottavino’s production wasn’t up to par.

The Red Sox on Sunday announced they released Ottavino four days before Opening Day.

Ottavino, a veteran of 14 seasons, was a member of Boston’s roster in 2021. He logged 69 appearances with the Red Sox and pitched to a 4.21 ERA, helping the team reach the American League Championship Series and fall two wins shy of the World Series. Ottavino spent the past three seasons with the New York Mets.

The Red Sox granted Ottavino his release after his opt-out clause was triggered, making Ottavino a free agent. He’ll likely seek another minor league contract, coming off a declining 2024 season in the Big Apple. Ottavino made 60 appearances with the Mets, notching a 4.34 ERA — worse than the league average (4.15) — along with 70 strikeouts across 56 innings. Ottavino went overlooked this offseason, all while bullpen assistance spawned as a major need for several clubs.

When Red Sox skipper Alex Cora called upon Ottavino to take the mound this spring, he didn’t show out. Ottavino recorded a 10.80 ERA, allowing six earned runs across five innings off five hits and five walks. He struck out eight hitters but with an already competitive slew of relief-pitching options, coupled with a subpar performance through five appearances, Ottavino’s bid at a re-run wasn’t in the cards.

Boston signed longtime flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson in free agency, plus re-added Liam Hendriks — back from a missed 2024 — and Garrett Whitlock. That gave Cora and company plenty of options, along with a handful of spring training invitees, to choose from.