Right-Handed Strikeout Specialist Signs with the Padres
Former Phillies and Red Sox right-handed starting pitcher Nick Pivetta has signed a new contract with the San Diego Padres. The deal is worth $55 million over four years. For the past four seasons with the Red Sox, Pivetta has been a quality arm at the back end of their rotation, becoming a reliable innings eater, pitching a minimum of 142 innings in each of those four seasons. Pivetta will be able to accomplish this for the Padres but also has plenty of potential as he will be just 32 years old when the 2025 season begins.
Despite having a career ERA of 4.76, Pivetta has shown great flashes at times, and it remains possible for him to take a step to the next level. Pivetta tied a Red Sox franchise record for most consecutive strikeouts in a game twice last season, throwing eight consecutive strikeouts in matchups versus the Detroit Tigers and Oakland Athletics. Pivetta recorded eight or more strikeouts in 11 out of 27 starts for the Red Sox last year, averaging 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. On the flip side of that, Pivetta has fallen victim to the long ball often, giving up at least 23 home runs in his last four seasons and tying all major league starters for 10th in home runs surrendered last season. Regardless of that, his slender frame and height of six-foot-five make him an intriguing free agent to many teams as they look to unlock further talent from the Canadian.
Thus far, in the 2024 offseason, the pitching market has inflated much more than teams were expecting, especially taking the Max Fried contract into consideration. Furthermore, due to the lack of starting pitchers available, Pivetta was able to land a lucrative deal. For this reason, the Pivetta deal may seem like an overpay; however, if he can reduce his home run rate, this will be a very helpful signing for the Padres. At the very least, expect Pivetta to provide quality innings at the back end of the rotation throughout the year, with the potential to break out as a number two or three starter in the Padres’ rotation.
