Report: Yankees trying to trade Ottavino

The New York Yankees are looking for trade partners for right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino, opposing executives told Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

New York is interested in moving as much of Ottavino's $9-million salary as possible for 2021, Sherman adds.

The 35-year-old struggled to a 5.89 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 2020 but was an effective reliever for the Yankees in 2019 when he recorded a 1.90 ERA with 88 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings.

Ottavino has also been one of the best strikeout pitchers among relievers since 2015, striking out 11.9 hitters per nine, according to FanGraphs.

The Yankees are still planning to stay under the $210-million luxury-tax threshold this season after signing DJ LeMahieu and Corey Kluber. The club has about $6 million left in tax space.

New York would like to add more pitching depth and re-sign outfielder Brett Gardner, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. The Yankees acquired right-hander Jameson Taillon from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.