David Ortiz Still Shocked Yankees Dealt Adam Ottavino To Boston

Red Sox legend David Ortiz is apparently thrilled the Yankees traded reliever Adam Ottavino to the Red Sox, according to his interview with the Boston Globe.

"I was happy they got Ottavino from the Yankees," he said. "I couldn't believe they did that. He can be nasty. We'll see how the young talent comes around. But they have more talent now."

Ortiz played in the big leagues for 20 years, so he understands the business side of making trades. It's not always as simple as trading the players you don't want and making trades for players you do--there's more at work here.

Ottavino comes into 2021 on the final year of his 3-year, $27 million deal, an inconvenient $9 million salary for a Yankees team looking to cut payroll. So the Red Sox, with the bullpen nightmares they endured last season, took advantage of a team looking to shed money.

What's most likely on Ortiz's mind is why the Yankees salary traded him to the one team they hate? Adam Ottavino was one of the best relievers in the game two years ago and could easily ascend back to that level. The last place they should want him hitting his stride is elsewhere in the American League East.

Relievers are hit-or-miss

Yankees' GM Brian Cashman is completely guessing with this trade. He has no idea whether Ottavino will find his way after a shoddy 2020, and he's very expensive. So he had to trade Ottavino away, maybe just not to Boston.

It's rare that both teams win in a trade, but this deal allows the bombers to make additional signings like Corey Kluber and a trade for Jameson Taillon to bolster that starting rotation.

And of course, the Red Sox get Ottavino.