The Final Pitch: Nick Pivetta’s Journey to the Padres
Nick Pivetta, the final domino to fall in the high-stakes world of free-agent pitching this offseason, has found a new home with the San Diego Padres. The deal, a four-year, $55 million contract, was confirmed by a person familiar with the negotiations, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The contract, initially reported by ESPN, is contingent on a successful physical. Pivetta’s agreement marks a significant addition to the Padres’ roster, particularly as the team navigates a tumultuous offseason amid a family dispute over team control.
Contract Breakdown: A Strategic Move for Both Sides
The financial details of Pivetta’s contract reveal a carefully structured agreement. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus, with a salary breakdown that starts modestly at $1 million for the 2023 season, then escalates to $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. Pivetta also retains the option to opt out of the contract after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, allowing him to potentially become a free agent again. If he chooses to exercise these options, he would receive $23 million after two seasons and $37 million after three. This structure provides Pivetta with financial security while giving the Padres flexibility in future seasons.
A Season of Promise and Perseverance
Pivetta, a right-hander who will turn 32 on Friday, brought a solid track record to the negotiating table. In the 2022 season, he compiled a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance for the Boston Red Sox. His decision to turn down a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox was a bold move, one that paid off with this lucrative deal. Over his eight-year major league career, Pivetta has an overall record of 56-71 with a 4.76 ERA, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies (2017-2020) and the Red Sox, who acquired him in an August 2020 trade. His pitch repertoire includes a four-seam fastball that averages 93.9 mph, mixed with sweepers, curveballs, cutters, and sliders, demonstrating his versatility on the mound.
The Padres’ Quiet Stride Toward Rebuilding
The Padres’ pursuit of Pivetta comes at a time of internal turmoil for the team. The late owner Peter Seidler’s family is embroiled in a dispute over control of the franchise, which has kept the team relatively quiet this offseason. Despite the challenges, the Padres have made strategic moves, adding outfielders Jason Heyward and Connor Joe to their roster. The team was also a finalist for Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, who ultimately signed with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. These moves, including Pivetta’s signing, suggest a cautious but steady approach to rebuilding and enhancing the team’s competitive edge.
The Impact on the Draft and Future Planning
Pivetta’s decision to reject the qualifying offer has implications for both the Padres and the Red Sox. Boston will receive an extra pick before the third round of the amateur draft in July, while the Padres will lose their second-highest selection, currently No. 64, along with $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation for 2026. These adjustments highlight the complex interplay between free agency and team prospects, as each move can ripple through multiple aspects of a franchise’s strategy.
A New Chapter in San Diego
As the Padres welcome Nick Pivetta to their roster, the team is poised to leverage his talent and experience. Pivetta’s contract, structured to balance immediate impact with long-term flexibility, aligns with the Padres’ goals of strengthening their pitching rotation while navigating the challenges of a changing ownership landscape. For Pivetta, this move represents a new chapter in his career, one filled with the promise of contributing to a team on the rise and the potential for personal growth and success.
