Team Italy just landed a big boost for its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster-and it comes with nearly two decades of big-league savvy. Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino is officially suiting up for Italy, bringing a wealth of experience, a deep bag of tricks, and a calm-under-fire mentality that could prove invaluable in the high-stakes, short-format tournament.
At 40 years old, Ottavino isn't lighting up radar guns like some of the younger arms in the field, but that's never really been his game. What he brings is movement, deception, and a breaking ball that still buckles knees.
His career has spanned stints with contenders like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rockies, and he’s carved out a niche as one of the more cerebral and crafty relievers in the game. Now, he’ll take that toolkit to the international stage once again.
This isn’t Ottavino’s first rodeo with Team Italy. He pitched for the squad back in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, tossing three scoreless innings against a loaded Venezuela lineup. Fast-forward 17 years, and he returns not just as a contributor, but as a potential anchor in Italy’s bullpen-a veteran who’s been through the fire of playoff baseball and knows how to navigate pressure-packed innings.
The timing couldn’t be better. Italy’s facing a tough draw in Pool B, with games set to take place in Houston and a slate of opponents that will test their pitching depth early.
That’s where Ottavino’s presence becomes even more valuable. In a tournament where every inning matters and matchups can swing on a single pitch, having a reliever who thrives in tight spots is a serious asset.
The WBC format also plays to Ottavino’s strengths. It’s built for short bursts, and that’s where he excels-coming in for an inning or two, keeping hitters off balance with his signature sweeping slider and a fastball that plays up because of his unique delivery.
Neutral-site games, like those at Daikin Park, only add to his potential effectiveness. No home-field advantage, no crowd noise to tilt the momentum-just Ottavino doing what he does best: execute.
For Italy, this move is part of a broader shift. The roster is shaping up with a mix of MLB-caliber talent and seasoned pros, and Ottavino’s addition adds both leadership and legitimacy. This isn’t just about having a recognizable name on the roster-it’s about having someone who’s been in the biggest moments and knows how to deliver.
As the 2026 WBC approaches, Italy is clearly aiming higher than just making an appearance. With Ottavino in the bullpen, they’ve got a proven arm ready for the spotlight-and maybe, just maybe, the foundation for a deeper run than we’ve seen in years past.