Yankees trade reliever Ottavino to rival Red Sox

NEW YORK – To operate under the MLB luxury tax threshold this coming season, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has sought some creative solutions.

The latest?

A rare trade with the rival Red Sox. Reliever Adam Ottavino is heading to Fenway Park, the New York team announced Monday afternoon. Ottavino has one year remaining on a three-year, $27 million contract that expires after the 2021 season. Minor league righthander Frank German, 23, a fourthround pick in 2018, is also going to Boston in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations.

It is the first deal between the ancient rivals since the July 31, 2014, trade deadline, when the Yankees acquired Stephen Drew for Kelly Johnson in an exchange of infielders.

Then, as now, the Red Sox are in something of a remodeling; they finished last in the American League East in 2020, with a 24-36 record.

The salary space would allow the Yankees to possibly re-sign veteran outfielder Brett Gardner and to add another starter or reliever before pitchers and catchers report to camp on Feb. 15.

For a second consecutive October, the Yankees lost faith in Ottavino and his signature slider; the New York native appeared in one of the Yankees’ seven postseason games in 2020, lasting twothirds of an inning.

Dealing Ottavino in a move for salary relief also frees up a 40-man roster spot.

The Yankees have yet to officially add DJ LeMahieu or Corey Kluber, who agreed to free agent contracts. New York dealt four prospects Sunday to Pittsburgh for starter Jameson Taillon.

After pitching to a 1.90 ERA in 66 1⁄3 innings in his first season with the Yankees, Ottavino pitched to a 5.89 ERA in 18 innings last season.