Adam Ottavino struck a deal with the New York Yankees for a Major League contract during Devin Williams’ paternity leave, earning $1 million if he remains in the majors and $150,000 if he’s in the minors. This agreement, however, seems to give the Yankees the freedom to shuffle him in and out of the roster indefinitely, a strategy that might eventually backfire but currently allows them to use him as the 27th man whenever necessary.
Initially, Ottavino stepped in for Williams, pitching twice against the Arizona Diamondbacks before being sent back down. After briefly electing free agency, he was re-signed to cover a game in Detroit, where he pitched 1/3 of an inning, walked two batters, and struck out one. Now, at 39, he’s back on the waiver wire as Ian Hamilton is ready to return from the injured list, presumably in time for one of the coldest series of the season.
Hamilton, recovering from an early virus setback, showed similar effectiveness in 2024 with a 3.03 FIP, close to his breakout season’s 2.82 mark. His deadly Slambio, when healthy, is one of baseball’s best-kept secrets. With Jonathan Loaisiga’s return still a month away, Hamilton’s addition will strengthen the bullpen. Meanwhile, Ottavino’s role remains in limbo, unless another team in the northeast is willing to take on his prorated salary and end the Yankees’ roster juggling.
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