Former Yankees & Mets High-Leverage Reliever Becomes Newest Free Agent

If there's any team out there looking for a high-leverage reliever at a cheap price, we have a new entry to the free agent market in former NY Yankees and Mets right-hander Adam Ottavino. After being DFA'd twice in five days by the Yankees, he has now declared himself a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to the minors.

Today, RHP Adam Ottavino elected free agency in lieu of accepting an outright assignment.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) April 10, 2025

He talked about the "weird situation" of knowing he probably wouldn't have more than three days with the Yankees this time around before being cut once again.

Adam Ottavino, who was just designated for assignment for the second time in five days, opens up about the experience.

"I knew he [Devin Williams] was coming back, so the clock was ticking." pic.twitter.com/Yc5JxDs3hm
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 9, 2025

"Devin Williams was on the paternity list, that lasts only three days, so I knew the clock was ticking... They were upfront with me, I have a good relationship with those folks over there... I talked to (manager Aaron Boone) after they DFA'd me (the first time), and he told me to keep going," said Ottavino, who obviously has a great attitude and is very grateful just to pitch in the majors.

"I enjoyed my three days there... Every day in the big leagues is precious... I don't take them for granted."

The 39-year-old has, in fact, had 15 years and 744.2 innings in the big leagues, and has been very successful at it, recording a 3.48 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. He's also recorded 46 saves.

This was his second stint with the Yankees, after being with them in 2019 and 2020. He's also pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets, with whom he spent the previous three seasons.