Nick Pivetta, a right-handed starting pitcher formerly of the Boston Red Sox, finds himself navigating the free agent market after the Red Sox bolstered their pitching rotation with the acquisitions of Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet. This offseason maneuvering has effectively made Pivetta expendable, leaving him to seek opportunities elsewhere. While his future remains uncertain, speculation abounds regarding his potential landing spots and contract value.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has identified the Toronto Blue Jays as a likely suitor for Pivetta’s services. This speculation arises despite the Blue Jays not having a glaring need for starting pitching. Miller’s rationale hinges on the Blue Jays’ unsuccessful pursuit of other high-profile free agents. With financial resources still available, Pivetta presents a viable option to bolster their pitching depth. Spotrac projects Pivetta’s potential contract value at $60 million, although the specific structure and duration of the deal remain undetermined.
Miller highlights the peculiarity of Pivetta’s free agency situation, comparing it to star players Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, who also rejected qualifying offers but remain unsigned. While Alonso and Bregman command significantly higher market values, Pivetta’s consistent performance over the past four seasons with the Red Sox, including logging at least 140 innings pitched each year with an ERA between 4.04 and 4.56, positions him as a valuable asset for teams seeking reliable starting pitching.
The length of Pivetta’s potential contract remains a point of conjecture. While a three- or four-year deal might have been a possibility earlier in the offseason, the prolonged free agency period suggests that Pivetta may have to consider shorter-term contracts, potentially a one-year deal with a player option for a second year. This type of contract structure has become increasingly common in recent years, offering players flexibility while allowing teams to mitigate risk.
The Blue Jays, despite their existing pitching depth, could benefit from Pivetta’s experience and consistency. While they may not be desperate for starting pitching, the acquisition of Pivetta would provide valuable insurance against injuries and potential underperformance from other members of the rotation. Furthermore, Pivetta’s familiarity with the American League East, having pitched for the Red Sox, makes him a particularly attractive option for the Blue Jays.
Miller suggests that if Pivetta is willing to accept a two-year deal within the Blue Jays’ budget, it would be a prudent move for the team to pursue him. This acquisition would not only strengthen their pitching staff but also potentially prevent a division rival from acquiring a valuable asset. The Blue Jays’ decision will likely depend on Pivetta’s contract demands and their assessment of his potential contribution to the team.
