Report: Robertson, Ottavino high on list of Red Sox targets

The Boston Red Sox are interested in bringing back free-agent relievers Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly, but just in case they can't make those deals happen they're looking at other options.

Pitchers David Robertson and Adam Ottavino are believed to be high on the Red Sox's list of back-end relief targets, reports Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.

Robertson and Ottavino are part of a talented crop of relief pitchers available in free agency that includes Zach Britton and Andrew Miller.

The 33-year-old Robertson spent 2018 with the New York Yankees, appearing in 69 games and striking out 91.

In mid-November, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Robertson told him he wanted to pitch for a team located close to his home in Rhode Island, which would make Boston an ideal fit.

In addition to the Red Sox, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly among the six-to-eight teams kicking the tires on Robertson, sources told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Ottavino is a high-strikeout type, who averaged 13.0 SO/9 last season in 75 appearances for the Colorado Rockies.

The 33-year-old features one of the most ridiculous sliders in baseball.