The back-end of the Red Sox' bullpen is officially going to look at least a little different.
According to the New York Post, Adam Ottavino has agreed to a one-year, $4 million that also carries $1 million in performance bonuses. The 36-year-old made $9 million in his only season with the Red Sox during 2021.
Ottavino appeared in 69 regular season games for the Red Sox and five more in the postseason. He finished with 11 saves in 17 opportunities, holding opponents to a .239 batting average and .738 OPS while totaling a 4.21 ERA.
Right-handed hitters managed just a .219 batting average against Ottavino, who appeared in the eighth or ninth innings a combined 53 times.
Here is what Ottavino told WEEI.com in the final days of the 2021 season when talking about free agency:
"I think it already has kind of changed. There has already been a shift. Guys are getting paid who aren’t closers, so that’s already a shift. They are looking for the most value, whatever you’re bringing to the table. Having flexibility in your role can make you more valuable or more teams. But the market has been a little lighter the last few years so I’m not totally sure what is different about it now. People might be scared of the volatility.
"If you’re looking at a WAR leadership for relievers you will see guys like Loaisiga and Chad Green or Whitlock, guys who are pitching two dominant innings for stretches. Those guys are very valuable, clearly, statistically. Even though that skill-set doesn’t get awarded in arbitration, I certainly think it will get rewarded in free agency."
Candidates to help pitch in the late innings for the Red Sox heading into this season are Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Garrett Whitlock and perhaps Tanner Houck.