The Boston Red Sox have made a familiar and exciting addition to their bullpen by agreeing to a minor league deal with veteran reliever. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the deal includes an invitation to spring training, allowing the crafty right-hander a chance to earn his spot. For Red Sox fans, his return should bring back some fond memories of his solid stint with the team in 2021.
During his first year in Boston, he was a key piece of the bullpen, posting an impressive 3.46 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 52 innings through August. Although his performance tapered off towards the end of the season due to a heavy workload, his overall contribution was valuable. After spending the past three seasons with the New York Mets, he proved himself as one of the league’s more reliable relievers. In 2022, he posted a stellar 2.06 ERA in 66 appearances, following that up with a respectable 3.21 ERA in 2023.
Though he took a slight step back in 2024 with a 4.34 ERA and 1.286 WHIP over 60 appearances, he still managed to strike out 70 batters in 56 innings. His 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings ratio highlights that, even at 39, Ottavino remains a formidable weapon on the mound. His return to Boston adds a much-needed experienced arm to a bullpen that has been a focus for the team in the offseason.
With Ottavino now back in the fold, the Red Sox are further strengthening their bullpen ahead of the 2025 season. While it’s still unclear whether the team will stop at this addition, the move gives them an established veteran presence who has proven his worth in high-leverage situations. Red Sox fans will be hoping Ottavino can replicate the form that made him a fan favorite in his first stint with the team.