Career Timeline of Adam Ottavino: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Adam Ottavino built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Adam Ottavino is a right-handed American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Mets in MLB. Previously, he has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. He is 6'5", weighs 246 pounds, throws right-handed, and is a switch hitter.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1987: Trade Between Rivals

On January 25, 2021, the trade involving Adam Ottavino marked only the second trade between the Yankees and Red Sox since 1987.

2003: Drafted by Tampa Bay Devil Rays

In 2003, Adam Ottavino was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 30th round of the MLB draft, but he did not sign with them.

2006: Drafted by St. Louis Cardinals

In 2006, Adam Ottavino was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round, with the 30th overall selection of the MLB draft. He pitched for the Swing of the Quad Cities of the Class A Midwest League that year.

2008: Pitched for Springfield Cardinals

In 2008, Adam Ottavino pitched for the Springfield Cardinals of the Class AA Texas League.

2009: Added to Cardinals 40-man roster

After the 2009 season, the Cardinals added Adam Ottavino to their 40-man roster.

2009: Pitched for Memphis Redbirds

In 2009, Adam Ottavino pitched for the Memphis Redbirds of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League (PCL). He had an 0–9 win–loss record in the first half of the season, but had a 7–3 record in the second half.

May 29, 2010: Made Major League Debut

On May 29, 2010, Adam Ottavino made his major league debut for the St. Louis Cardinals as a starter.

2011: Re-added to Cardinals 40-man roster

After the 2011 season, the St. Louis Cardinals re-added Adam Ottavino to their 40-man roster after he pitched for Memphis.

April 3, 2012: Claimed by Colorado Rockies

On April 3, 2012, Adam Ottavino was claimed off of waivers by the Colorado Rockies. He was later promoted to the majors and developed into a relief pitcher.

2013: Switched Uniform Number

In 2013, Adam Ottavino switched his uniform number to 0. He appeared in 51 games, pitching in 78.1 innings and registering an ERA of 2.64 for the Rockies.

2014: Played in Career High 75 Games

In 2014, Adam Ottavino went 1-4 with a 3.60 ERA in a career high 75 games for the Colorado Rockies.

2015: Agreed on three-year contract with Rockies

After the 2015 season, the Rockies and Adam Ottavino agreed on a three-year contract worth $10.4 million.

2016: Rockies Franchise Record

After returning from the disabled list, Adam Ottavino completed 37 scoreless appearances in 31 innings pitched, which set a Rockies' franchise record in 2016.

2017: Opened a Pitching Lab

Following the 2017 season, Adam Ottavino rented a vacant storefront in Harlem from his father-in-law, which he converted into a pitching lab where he and other local players used technology and data to develop pitches and hone their craft.

2018: Shared Major League Lead in Holds

In 2018, Adam Ottavino shared the major league lead in holds, with 34. He was 6-4 with a 2.34 ERA.

January 24, 2019: Signed with New York Yankees

On January 24, 2019, Adam Ottavino signed a three-year contract worth $27 million with the New York Yankees. He became the first Yankee in team history to wear uniform number 0.

2020: Played in Shortened Season

During the shortened 2020 season, Adam Ottavino made 24 appearances for the Yankees, all in relief, with a 5.89 ERA and 2–3 record with 25 strikeouts in 18+1⁄3 innings pitched.

January 25, 2021: Traded to Boston Red Sox

On January 25, 2021, Adam Ottavino was traded by the Yankees along with minor league pitcher Frank German to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

March 14, 2022: Signed with New York Mets

On March 14, 2022, Adam Ottavino signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the New York Mets.

December 20, 2022: Re-signed with the Mets

On December 20, 2022, Adam Ottavino re-signed with the New York Mets on a two-year, $14.5 million contract including an opt-out after the 2023 season.