Yankees trade Adam Ottavino to Red Sox in first trade between rivals since 2014

NEW YORK — In an effort to operate under the luxury tax threshold, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has sought some creative solutions.

The latest? A rare trade with the rival Boston Red Sox.

Reliever Adam Ottavino is heading to Fenway Park, a person with knowledge of the trade told USA TODAY baseball columnist Bob Nightengale. The person was granted anonymity because the deal hasn't been announced. The Red Sox will be absorbing nearly all of the $9 million remaining on a three-year, $27 million contract that expires after the 2021 season.  

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 AL East in 2020, with a 24-36 record.

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The salary space would allow the Yankees to possible 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 just one of the Yankees' seven postseason games in 2020, lasting two-thirds of an innings.

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. Sunday, the Yankees dealt four prospects to Pittsburgh for starter Jameson Taillon.

After pitching to a 1.90 ERA in 66⅓ innings in his first season with the Yankees, Ottavino pitched to a 5.89 ERA in 18⅓ innings last season.