One of the New York Yankees biggest issues in 2020 was their bullpen. The all-star bullpen that the team assembled crumbled and led to the Yankees finishing just 33-27 this year.
Adam Ottavino was one of the players who helped contribute to the bullpen struggles. After his outstanding 2019 season, he struggled mightily in 2020. He was 2-3 with a 5.89 ERA in 24 games. Ottavino’s struggles led him to being much of a non-factor at the end of the regular season, as well as the postseason.
That being said, should the Yankees explore a trade for Adam Ottavino? With him being on a relatively cheap contract, they may be able to make a trade work.
Now, after one bad season, it may be jumping the gun just a little bit. However, before 2018, Ottavino hadn’t been a very proven pitcher. He was inconsistent, and his best season just happened to fall on a contract year, leading to him coming to the Yankees. We knew it was a possibility things wouldn’t work out for him in New York.
Additionally, he’s not a good big game pitcher. Ottavino has a 13.50 postseason ERA in 12 games, and was part of the reason why the Yankees were eliminated in the ALCS in 2019.
2021 will yet again be a contract year for Ottavino. He will be in the final year of a three-year, $27 million deal with the Yankees. Now would be the time for the team to trade him.
They could pursue bench bats for him, prospects, or even international signing pool money. Many good relievers on the free-agent market could replace Ottavino in the bullpen.
It may be jumping the gun a little bit saying the Yankees should trade Adam Ottavino, but the team should listen to offers. If they acquire the right pieces and sign the right guys, a trade could make sense.