Article: With Ottavino and Moore Cut, Red Sox Bullpen Starts To Take Shape

[Nick John]

As Opening Day looms, the Red Sox have cut two veteran relievers on minor-league deals.

With the regular season less than a week away, the Red Sox are making decisions about the last few roster spots. On Saturday the Red Sox made it a little bit easier to envision what their bullpen will look like, as MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported that both Adam Ottavino and Matt Moore were told they would not be making the team. Ottavino triggered his opt-out clause in order to look for a roster spot elsewhere, and the Red Sox have released him. Both Ottavino and Moore were brought in on minor league deals and given non-roster invites to the major league camp. Moore also has opt-out in his deals that would need to be exercised by this weekend. Otherwise, he’ll begin the season in Worcester.

Ottavino is no stranger to the Red Sox, having been traded to the team before the 2021 season. During that season he was a veteran presence in the bullpen and a valuable mentor. Ottavino would spend the next three seasons as an important piece of the New York Mets bullpen. This offseason, he didn’t receive many offers and instead chose to sign a minor league deal with the Red Sox on February 18, after pitchers and catchers had already reported. Ottavino appeared in five games this spring, pitching five innings, surrendering six earned runs, striking out eight, and allowing five walks. Of his five outings, four were scoreless appearances with multiple strikeouts. His one bad appearance was on March 11 against the Phillies; he lasted only a third of an inning and gave up six runs and three walks.

Moore was another late signing, agreeing to a deal on February 23. The Red Sox were looking for left-handed depth following the news that Zach Penrod would miss time due to elbow soreness. Moore spent 2024 with the Angels, and he struggled to a 5.03 ERA in 48 1/3 innings pitched. However, his previous two seasons were much better and there was hope his performance could bounce back to its previous level. Moore, entering his age-36 season, pitched in only a few spring training games for the Red Sox and did not allow a run. In three appearances, he threw three innings and struck out two.

Alex Cora has said that five relievers are locks for the roster: Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson, Justin Slaten, Garrett Whitlock and Liam Hendriks. That leaves three spots in the bullpen for five candidates: Brennan Bernardino, Cooper Criswell, Zack Kelly, Bryan Mata, and Greg Weissert.

Following the roster cuts, the Red Sox have 45 players in the major league camp. Of those 45, Michael Fulmer and Seby Zavala have been told they will not open the season with Boston. Another six will open the season on the injured list. That brings the total down to 37 players fighting for 26 spots.

The last few days of spring training will be filled with battles for the last few spots.   

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