Yankees should seriously consider free agent reliever Adam Ottavino

With the growing possibility of relief pitchers David Robertson and Zach Britton signing elsewhere this offseason, the Yankees should seriously consider making a run at right-hander Adam Ottavino, formerly of the Rockies.

If there was ever a free agent relief pitcher that appears like a perfect fit for the Yankees, it’s 33-year-old right-hander Adam Ottavino.

Ottavino, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, rented an abandoned storefront in Harlem last offseason to re-engineer his career following a dreadful 2017 campaign.

And boy, did it work. Across 77.2 innings, Ottavino compiled a 2.43 ERA, 0.991 WHIP, .154 BAA,13.0 K/9 (36.3% of batter’s faced) and six saves while recording four-plus outs 10 times and three two-inning outings. He also finished tied for first in the majors with 34 holds.

With his five-pitch arsenal, including a put away 82-mph slider, 95-mph ground ball inducing slider, 88-mph swing and miss cutter, heavy 94-mph four-seam fastball and rarely thrown changeup, Ottavino set the Rockies franchise record for strikeouts in a season by a reliever (112).

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Colorado didn’t extend the $17.9 million qualifying offer — which is excellent news for the Yankees, who may lose the services of both David Robertson and Zach Britton this winter.

Another caveat of Ottavino’s potential of pitching in the Bronx is that his good friend and former teammate with the Rockies, Tommy Kahnle is already in town. However, Kahnle will need to rediscover his 2017 form if he expects to make the 2019 Opening Day roster.

Despite Kahnle’s status being in limbo, he recently told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com that Ottavino has always wanted to pitch in pinstripes.

"“I know he’s always wanted to be on a New York team,” Kahnle said. “He’s an arm that’s out there. There’s a lot (of pitchers available). He did grow up a Yankees fan. It’s funny because I ended up (with the Yankees) and he didn’t."

Though Ottavino may receive an opportunity close for another club, with reports of Yankee interest — especially in relief pitchers that make the opposition swing and miss, it’s time for the New York native to come home. No QO means no draft pick compensation, therefore the Yanks should offer a higher AAV.