For years, MLB teams' bullpens were a carousel. Relievers were constantly sent down to the minors or called up to the majors based on their usage. This was done to have as many fresh arms in the bullpen as possible.
However, this strategy went by the wayside after the latest CBA changed how minor league options worked. Instead, teams have been looking for new ways to keep their bullpen fresh.
The New York Yankees have appeared to find a loophole. Based on their recent roster moves surrounding Adam Ottavino, it appears the Yankees have gone back to a strategy similar to what was done before the CBA agreement. So, what is this new strategy, and how can teams use it to their advantage?
How the Yankees have found a loophole through their recent roster moves
On April 1st, the Yankees signed Ottavino to a major league deal. He had two appearances, pitching 1 1/3 innings, giving up no runs, and notching two strikeouts.
However, on April 4th, the Yankees DFA'd Ottavino, and he elected free agency two days later. Even though the Yankees took him off the roster, they re-signed righty to another major league contract. Then, after another scoreless outing, the Yankees DFA'd him again Tuesday morning.
Ottavino was designated for assignment because he needed a rest. After pitching twice in three days, he needed a day or two off to keep his arm fresh and ensure he could still be efficient. Rather than having him take up a roster spot, the Yankees DFA'd him to have a player on the roster who could make an impact in that game. It's akin to what teams were once able to do by optionion relievers up and down on a game-by-game basis.
The Yankees are not the only team to do this during the 2025 season. The Braves did something similar with Jesse Chavez. After being released by the Texas Rangers, the Braves signed Chavez to a minor league contract and called him up after Hector Neris was DFA. He pitched two innings for Atlanta on March 31st, and then they DFA'd him to call up Zach Thompson. They then re-signed him to a minor league deal.
Just like with Ottavino, Chavez was removed to maximize the roster. Why have a player who can not contribute during a game, when there are plenty of players available in the minors or free agency? That way, you can keep your bullpen fresh and give extra rest to your more reliable relievers because you can keep signing guys for less meaningful games, rather than have your more trusted relievers pitch in them.
This also creates more job opportunities for veteran relievers. With roster spots constantly opening, it provides opportunities for players to show they still belong in the MLB. If one of these veterans can pitch well, then a team can sign them to be a permanent part of the bullpen—something that has to make the MLBPA very happy, assuming they're okay with their members being treated like roster tools.
Although it's strange to see players constantly being DFA'd and re-signed, it's the perfect way to keep players employed while keeping the bullpen as rested as possible.