Red Sox Sign RHP Vinny Nittoli to Minor League Deal

In Major League Baseball, every roster move, even the small ones, can spark conversation and speculation. This time, the Boston Red Sox signed veteran reliever Vinny Nittoli to a minor-league deal with a Spring Training invite.

Let’s look at what this move might mean for Nittoli’s winding career and the bullpen/”>Red Sox bullpen as they get ready for another season. We’ll check out his past performance and what his contract situation could mean.

The Journeyman’s Odyssey: Vinny Nittoli’s Path to Fenway

I’ve seen so many players chase their big-league dreams over the years. Vinny Nittoli really stands out for his relentless pursuit.

At 35, this minor-league contract is actually his 12th organization in a ten-year career. That says a lot about his commitment and willingness to keep grinding.

A Career Defined by “Cup of Coffee” Stints

Nittoli’s made it to the majors with five different clubs, racking up 18 2/3 MLB innings. Most of those have been “cup of coffee” appearances—short but meaningful shots to show what he’s got.

His longest run came in 2024 with the Oakland Athletics. He pitched eight innings over seven appearances, giving the team a steady, if brief, presence on the mound.

His overall big-league numbers? 13 strikeouts, five walks, and five runs allowed. Nothing eye-popping, but you can see flashes of a guy who can get outs at the highest level if things break his way.

Deciphering the Minor League Record: A Look Beneath the Surface

Major league stats get all the attention, but Nittoli’s built his reputation in the minors. His Triple-A numbers might reveal more about what he brings.

Triple-A Performance: Consistency and Strikeout Prowess

Over six Triple-A seasons, Nittoli’s posted a 4.76 ERA in 223 innings. Sure, an ERA close to 5.00 might make you pause.

But his 28.3% strikeout rate jumps out. That kind of strikeout ability is valuable for any reliever, and it means he can miss bats—always a good thing in tight spots.

Last season, he bounced between the Orioles’ and Brewers’ top affiliates. He put up a 4.58 ERA, a 26% strikeout rate, and an 8% walk rate.

Those numbers show he can be effective, though maybe still working on some command issues. Still, the consistent strikeouts at Triple-A are a good sign for Boston.

The Arsenal and the Stakes: Nittoli’s Pitch Mix and Roster Implications

Every pitcher has his go-to pitches, and understanding Nittoli’s mix helps project his impact.

Nittoli’s Pitching Repertoire

Nittoli leans on his cutter, which averages 89 mph. If he spots it well, it can get weak contact and some whiffs.

He also works in a low-90s sinker to get ground balls, plus a low-80s curveball for a change of pace. That three-pitch combo gives him options and keeps hitters guessing.

The Minor-League Option Quandary

There’s a roster wrinkle here for the Red Sox. Nittoli is out of minor-league options.

If he earns a spot on the 26-man roster, he has to stay there. If Boston promotes him and then needs to send him down, they’d have to put him on waivers, and another team could grab him.

So, his Spring Training isn’t just about making the team—it’s about convincing them he belongs for the long haul.

Beyond Nittoli: A Look at Boston’s Spring Training Invitees

Nittoli isn’t the only experienced arm fighting for a bullpen spot. The Red Sox have brought in a handful of seasoned non-roster invitees, all hoping to make their mark.

Competition in Camp: A Battle for Bullpen Spots

He joins a tough group that features relievers like Seth Martinez, Hobie Harris, Devin Sweet, and Tayron Guerrero. The Red Sox seem determined to fill their bullpen with veterans and spark some real competition.

These non-roster invites matter a lot. They give players a shot to prove themselves, and sometimes the team stumbles onto a surprise contributor. Happens every Spring Training, honestly—a place where careers can fall apart or suddenly take off.

 
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