The San Diego Padres added a veteran starting pitcher on Wednesday, agreeing to a four-year, $55 million deal with right-hander Nick Pivetta, according to multiple media reports.
The backloaded contract reportedly gives Pivetta the opportunity to opt out following the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Pivetta reportedly will get a $3 million signing bonus ahead of making only $1 million in 2025. Per the reports, his salaries would be $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027 and $18 million in 2028.
A Canadian who turns 32 on Friday, Pivetta spent the past 4 1/2 seasons with the Boston Red Sox after opening his career by playing 3 1/2 seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has never won more than 10 games in a year nor posted an ERA below 4.00.
Last year, Pivetta went 6-12 with a 4.14 ERA in 27 games (26 starts). He struck out 172 and walked 36 in 145 2/3 innings.
In 223 career games (178 starts), Pivetta has a 56-71 record with a 4.76 ERA. He has fanned 1,139 and walked 377 in 1,029 1/3 innings.
He joins a Padres rotation anchored by right-handers Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish and Michael King. Right-hander Joe Musgrove will miss the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in the offseason.
