The San Diego Padres have officially declined their $14 million team option on starting pitcher Nick Pivetta for the 2027 season, according to a report by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. This decision immediately elevates Pivetta to unrestricted free agency, opening the door for him to negotiate a multi-year contract with any MLB club. While the move may seem surprising given his recent injury history, it aligns with the Padres’ strategic focus on retaining core assets and managing long-term payroll flexibility as they navigate the next phase of their competitive window.
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Pivetta’s 2026 campaign was defined by a significant absence due to a flexor strain, which kept him on the 60-day injured list from late April until early September. However, when he was active, the right-hander displayed elite command and effectiveness. In just eight regular-season starts, he posted a 3-2 record with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.010 WHIP, striking out 42 batters while issuing only eight walks over 34 2/3 innings. These numbers underscore his ability to dominate when healthy, suggesting that his injury was an anomaly rather than a decline in skill.
His postseason performance further cemented his value to the Padres, who secured a Wild Card berth before falling short in the divisional round. Pivetta pitched in two crucial games, allowing just one run in 3 1/3 innings during Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs, contributing to a 4-1 victory. He also started Game 3 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he limited damage in a high-stakes environment. As Pivetta enters the free agent market, his track record of high-leverage performance and efficient pitching when healthy makes him a prime target for contenders seeking reliable rotation depth.
Source: Yahoo Sports
