Colorado Rockies rumors: Is an Adam Ottavino return possible?

Could one of the potential biggest losses for the Colorado Rockies in free agency not be a loss at all? One tweet from earlier today says it is possible.

According to a tweet from Jon Morosi of MLB Network on Thursday, the Colorado Rockies are open to a reunion with Adam Ottavino. The 33-year-old right-hander went 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA last season and was dominant in many appearances as evidenced by 112 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched.

Morosi’s tweet also says that the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox are showing “continued interest” in Ottavino. Later in the day, Morosi added that “multiple other clubs” were interested in Ottavino’s services.

Ottavino has pitched for the Rockies since 2012 and earned $7 million last season. On MLBTradeRumors.com’s predictions for the top 50 free agents this offseason, Ottavino was listed as the 21st-highest free agent and was projected to go to the New York Yankees on a three-year, $30 million deal.

With that price tag, would the Rockies be willing to bring back one of their key pieces from last season’s bullpen? Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich spent a record amount on his bullpen last offseason, signing Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw in free agency and re-signing Jake McGee. Davis was a success, recording a club-record 43 saves. However, Shaw and McGee struggled mightily.

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Through their struggles, Ottavino joined Scott Oberg and Seunghwan Oh to form a strong set-up committee for Davis. Oberg and Oh will be relied upon by the Rockies again in 2019, while Colorado hopes for a return to form by Shaw, McGee and Chris Rusin.

The price tag will likely be the biggest determination of Ottavino’s return or departure. Colorado has only signed Daniel Murphy to play first base in what has been a quiet offseason so far. With Nolan Arenado‘s contract status up in the air heading into the season and a big payday coming his way, will the Rockies commit funds to Ottavino on a deal for more than one year?

We will keep you up-to-date with the latest news regarding Ottavino and all other potential signings by the Rockies heading into 2019.