Red Sox Sign Veteran Pitcher Vinny Nittoli to Minor League Deal

As the Boston Red Sox continue to be active this offseason, they have reportedly made another interesting move to bolster their pitching staff. The team has signed 35-year-old right-handed pitcher Vinny Nittoli to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. This move is one of the latest in a series of acquisitions made by the Red Sox as they continue to shape their roster ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

A Career with Potential, but Limited Big League Experience

Nittoli brings a solid career ERA of 2.41, which is certainly appealing on paper. However, despite this impressive ERA, Nittoli’s experience at the Major League level is limited, with just 18 2/3 innings pitched across a handful of seasons. The veteran pitcher has made appearances for the Oakland Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles, but much of his career has been spent in the minors, particularly with various Triple-A teams.

In 2024, Nittoli spent time with both the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles. With the A’s, he pitched 12 innings in the majors, but his time in the big leagues was brief. His most recent stint was spent with the Triple-A teams of the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles. With the Brewers’ affiliate, the Nashville Sounds, Nittoli posted a 4.50 ERA before being picked up by the Orioles. His performance in the Orioles’ system didn’t improve, as he recorded a 6.35 ERA in 10 appearances for the Norfolk Tides.

The Struggles of 2025: A Season to Forget

The 2025 season was a particularly difficult one for Nittoli. After spending the previous season bouncing between teams and struggling in Triple-A, Nittoli found himself facing the toughest challenge yet in his career. Despite the early promise of his solid ERA, Nittoli faced difficulties in maintaining consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations. The Red Sox hope that the 35-year-old veteran can put his past struggles behind him and focus on refining his skills in their system.

While his 2025 numbers may not impress, there are still plenty of reasons to be hopeful about Nittoli’s potential with the Red Sox. The team believes that, with the right coaching and the opportunity to work with a strong pitching staff, Nittoli could develop into a key contributor in their bullpen.

A Long Journey Across MLB Organizations

Nittoli’s journey through Major League Baseball has been far from straightforward. He was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2014 but has since bounced around, playing for a total of eight different MLB organizations. Over the course of his career, he has spent time with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, Mariners, Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets organizations.

Despite this extensive experience in multiple systems, Nittoli has only made brief appearances at the MLB level for a select few teams. While this experience in various systems may have exposed Nittoli to a variety of coaching styles and approaches, it hasn’t necessarily helped him secure a long-term spot on any big league roster. With the Red Sox, Nittoli will be hoping that this new opportunity will be the one where he finally settles into a consistent role.

A Competing Right-Handed Reliever with Promise

Despite his limited experience, Nittoli does have a number of promising traits that could make him a valuable addition to the Red Sox bullpen. One of his key strengths is his ability to limit walks. In 2024, Nittoli posted a 4.3% walk rate, which was among the best in baseball. This ability to throw strikes consistently is a crucial skill for any pitcher, and it gives Nittoli a solid foundation to build on as he looks to earn a spot in Boston’s bullpen.

In addition to his command, Nittoli also has solid extension off the mound for a pitcher of his size. At six feet tall, he generates better extension than many taller pitchers, including some major leaguers like Paul Skenes, who stands at 6-foot-6. This extension can help Nittoli create more effective movement on his pitches, allowing him to generate more swings and misses and increase his effectiveness in high-leverage situations.

An Uphill Battle to Make the Roster

Despite his potential, Nittoli faces a difficult path to make the Red Sox’s 40-man roster. As a right-handed reliever, he will be competing against a crowded field of pitchers vying for a spot in the bullpen. The Red Sox have several reliable arms already in place, and Nittoli will need to impress during spring training in order to secure a spot. Given his limited major league experience and his struggles in the minors, he will need to show that he can consistently perform at a high level to earn a permanent role on the roster.

However, the Red Sox are clearly intrigued by Nittoli’s promise and believe he could be a valuable asset to their bullpen if he can stay healthy and continue to refine his craft. While it may be a long shot for him to break into the major league roster, a strong spring training could help Nittoli make a name for himself in Boston.

The Red Sox’s Plan for Nittoli’s Development

The Red Sox will likely take a patient approach with Nittoli, focusing on helping him regain his form and build on his strengths as a pitcher. With a history of working with veteran pitchers, the Red Sox coaching staff will look to provide Nittoli with the tools he needs to succeed. If they can help him improve his consistency and refine his mechanics, Nittoli could develop into a key bullpen piece for the team in the coming seasons.

The Red Sox have a track record of taking chances on veteran pitchers with potential, and Nittoli’s signing is another example of their willingness to take calculated risks in order to strengthen their bullpen. While his journey to a major league roster spot may be difficult, there is a glimmer of hope that Nittoli can make an impact with the Red Sox, provided he can stay healthy and continue to improve.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Nittoli and the Red Sox?

As the 2026 season gets closer, all eyes will be on Nittoli during spring training. The Red Sox will give him a chance to showcase his skills, and if he impresses, he could find a spot in their bullpen for the upcoming season. However, with so many talented pitchers already in the mix, Nittoli faces stiff competition. The next few weeks will be crucial for his career, and he’ll need to prove that he has what it takes to make it at the highest level.

For the Red Sox, adding Nittoli could pay off if he finds his rhythm in their system. While it may take some time for him to prove himself, the Red Sox’s investment in Nittoli shows their belief that he can be an asset moving forward. With plenty of opportunity for growth, Nittoli will be looking to make the most of his time in spring training and cement his place in the Red Sox bullpen for 2026.