Padres rumors: Nick Pivetta facing $32 million ‘no-brainer’ decision, per rival GMs

Throughout the 2026 season, the San Diego Padres will be relying on Nick Pivetta to help lead their pitching rotation. However, there’s no guarantee he’s pitching in San Diego beyond this season.

Pivetta has the option to opt out of the final two years remaining on his Padres contract following the campaign. While worth $32 million, many around MLB are expecting the right-hander to enter free agency, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

“Rival GMs already are counting on San Diego Padres ace Nick Pivetta to be on the free-agent market this winter, believing it’s a no-brainer that he will opt out of his contract,” Nightengale wrote.

“Pivetta signed a club-friendly four-year, $55 million contract with the Padres two years ago, earning a total of just $23 million the first two seasons,” he continued. “As long as he’s breathing at the end of the season, he’ll opt out of the final two years and $32 million on his contract.”

Pivetta signed his $55 million deal with the Padres after a five-year run with the Boston Red Sox. There, he produced a 4.29 ERA and a 718/229 K/BB ratio. The strikeout numbers were impressive, but San Diego was able to land him on a fairy cheap deal.

One year into that contract though, Pivetta outplayed his worth. Over his first 31 starts with the Padres, the right-hander posted a 2.87 ERA and a 190/50 K/BB ratio. Continuing his strikeout trend while lowering his ERA makes Pivetta an even more coveted option if he were to enter free agency.

His 2026 season has gotten off to the same start, as he holds a 5.36 ERA and a 20/6 K/BB ratio. But assuming Pivetta gets back on track, he’ll be playing his way towards an even bigger contract come 2027.

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