The Padres Secure Pivetta on a Lucrative Deal
In a move that signals the Padres’ commitment to strengthening their pitching roster, right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta has finalized a four-year, $55 million contract with the team. The deal, structured to be backloaded, offers Pivetta the option to opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, giving him significant control over his future. This agreement marks a strategic investment by the Padres, aimed at bolstering their rotation and ensuring they remain competitive in the National League West.
Pivetta’s contract includes a $3 million signing bonus and salaries that escalate over the four years. He will earn $1 million in 2023, $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. If he opts out after the first two seasons, he will have received a total of $23 million, and if he decides to leave after three seasons, the total will be $37 million. This structure not only provides Pivetta with financial security but also gives him the flexibility to reassess his career path in the coming years.
Pivetta’s Journey to the Padres
Nick Pivetta, a 32-year-old native of Victoria, Canada, brings a wealth of experience to the Padres. Last season, he compiled a record of 6-12 with a 4.14 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance for the Boston Red Sox. Despite a challenging season, Pivetta demonstrated his potential and reliability, making him an attractive acquisition for the Padres. His decision to decline a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox underscores his confidence in the Padres’ vision and his own market value.
Pivetta’s major league career spans eight seasons, with stints at the Philadelphia Phillies (2017-20) and Boston Red Sox. His versatility and array of pitches make him a formidable presence on the mound. His primary weapon is a four-seam fastball that averages 93.9 mph, which he throws 48.6% of the time. He complements this with a variety of off-speed pitches, including sweepers (25.7%), curveballs (16.3%), cutters (5.9%), and sliders (3.4%). These tools have helped him navigate through opponents’ lineups and maintain his effectiveness over the years.
The Padres’ Quiet Offseason
The Padres have had a relatively quiet offseason, partly due to the ongoing family disputes over the team’s ownership. The brothers and wife of late owner Peter Seidler are currently vying for control, which has likely influenced the team’s approach to free agency and trades. Despite these challenges, the Padres have made notable additions, signing outfielders Jason Heyward and Connor Joe to solidify their lineup. These moves, along with the acquisition of Pivetta, demonstrate the team’s commitment to improving and remaining competitive.
The Padres were also in the running for Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, but the coveted pitcher ultimately signed with their cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers. This outcome, while disappointing, has not deterred the Padres from pursuing other high-quality additions to their roster. The team’s front office remains focused on building a well-rounded squad capable of contending for the playoffs.
Impact of the Pivetta Signing
The addition of Nick Pivetta is expected to have a significant impact on the Padres’ pitching rotation. His experience and variety of pitches will provide much-needed depth and stability. Pivetta’s presence will also help to mentor and develop younger pitchers, contributing to the overall growth and improvement of the team. His ability to handle pressure and perform consistently, even in challenging situations, will be invaluable as the Padres look to navigate a tough division and make a deep postseason run.
The Padres’ decision to sign Pivetta also reflects their long-term strategy. By offering a backloaded contract with opt-out clauses, they have secured a pitcher who can make an immediate impact while also allowing for future flexibility. This approach aligns with the team’s goal of building a sustainable and competitive organization, capable of contending for championships in the years to come.
Consequences of the Qualifying Offer
One of the notable aspects of Pivetta’s signing is the impact of his decision to decline Boston’s qualifying offer. As a result, the Red Sox will receive an additional draft pick before the third round of the amateur draft in July, while the Padres will forfeit their second-highest selection, currently No. 64, along with $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation for 2026. These penalties, while significant, are considered a worthwhile trade-off for the Padres, given the quality and experience Pivetta brings to the team.
The loss of a high draft pick and international signing bonus pool allocation is a common consequence of signing players who decline qualifying offers. However, the Padres have shown a willingness to make such sacrifices to bolster their roster and remain competitive. This strategic decision reflects the team’s commitment to building a strong and balanced lineup, capable of challenging for a championship in the near future.
Looking Forward
With the addition of Nick Pivetta, the Padres have taken a significant step towards their goal of becoming a dominant force in the National League. Pivetta’s experience, versatility, and proven track record make him a valuable asset to the team’s pitching rotation. As the Padres continue to navigate the challenges of the offseason and the ongoing ownership disputes, the signing of Pivetta represents a clear statement of the team’s ambition and commitment to success.
The upcoming season will be crucial for the Padres, as they look to build on the foundation laid by their recent acquisitions and demonstrate their potential to contend for the playoffs. The addition of Pivetta, along with the other recent signings, indicates that the Padres are well-positioned to make a strong push for a championship in the years ahead.
