The Boston Red Sox appear poised for significant changes this offseason, with shifts in their roster composition among the most notable. One potential departure involves starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, who is now a free agent after earning $7.5 million in 2024. The Red Sox extended him a one-year qualifying offer worth just over $21 million for the 2025 season, but Pivetta declined, likely seeking the stability of a multi-year deal on the open market.
While it’s still possible the Red Sox could negotiate a new contract with Pivetta, the chances of that happening seem slim. Boston has been linked to high-profile pitchers like Max Fried and Corbin Burnes, signaling their intent to prioritize top-tier talent over retaining mid-tier options like Pivetta. His free agency decision benefits the team in one way, as they will receive a compensatory draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman recently analyzed the situation and predicted that Pivetta will not return to Boston. He views the pitcher’s rejection of the qualifying offer as a win for the Red Sox, highlighting the compensatory draft pick and noting that Pivetta’s performance, while reliable in terms of availability, has been inconsistent.
“Pivetta had reasons to accept the offer but chose instead to test free agency, ensuring the Red Sox would earn a draft pick if he departs,” Rotman explained. “While he’s been a durable starter since joining the team in 2020, his ERAs have consistently hovered above 4.00, showing he’s ultimately replaceable. Red Sox fans will hope for more consistency in his rotation slot moving forward.”
Though Pivetta’s durability and ability to eat innings were assets for the team, his inconsistency on the mound often frustrated fans. Over his four full seasons in Boston, he never posted an ERA below 4.00, limiting his impact despite flashes of elite strikeout ability. While he became a fan favorite during his tenure, it now seems increasingly likely that Pivetta and the Red Sox will part ways. Boston is expected to use his roster spot to seek more reliable options for their rotation, further signaling a new direction under the team’s evolving strategy.
For Pivetta, the free-agent market may provide opportunities to secure the multi-year deal he desires, while the Red Sox aim to rebuild their pitching staff for greater consistency and long-term success.
