2025 Yankees pitcher in running for most absurd job change you could imagine

Former New York Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino ended his career as an active pitcher in 2025 by essentially hanging out on retainer. The Yankees needed a helping hand a few times early in the season. They called on Ottavino. They used him. They DFA'd him. They waited for him to clear waivers, and then they used him again. It's unsurprising that he'd be seeking a job with a bit more stability for 2026, but the one he appears to have thrown his energy behind couldn't be more shocking.

After the Colorado Rockies decided to go with neither Amiel Sawdaye (Diamondbacks Assistant GM) or Matt Forman (Guardians Assistant GM), their two reported finalists for the head of baseball operations job, Ottavino has reportedly thrown his hat in the ring and spoken with Rockies owner Dick Monfort about the role.

No word yet on whether Monfort, who is famously accessible via his public email address, spoke with Ottavino face to face, or merely responded, "Sounds cool!" to a missive in his inbox.

While Ottavino doesn't have experience in this particular field, it's certainly noteworthy that, when Colorado failed to comply with his specific pitching development wishes as an active player, he took it upon himself to build the type of facility he required independently, and seek answers all by his lonesome. Not many pitchers would take such a leap. It takes a particular type of thinker to both conceive and execute that idea.

Former Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino wants coveted Rockies Head of Baseball Operations job

While the Rockies aren't exactly the paragon of MLB success (or minor league development), the head gig in Colorado remains one of the game's most coveted. It's a completely unique challenge. How can a roster be built when every starting pitcher is terrified to commit to 81 home games in a paper-thin atmosphere? What unique advantages can an executive unlock to even the playing field?

Denver crowds, as title-winning Nuggets, Broncos, and Avalanche teams have all uncovered, are extremely devoted and passionate. The 2007 Rockies ignited the city on the road to their World Series defeat at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. Just because it feels impossible doesn't mean it is. Ottavino will have competition, but as the field thins, it's hard not to feel like he has a legitimate shot at leaping directly from the league/podcasting to the catbird seat.