The Red Sox’s decision to extend a $21 million qualifying offer to Nick Pivetta was a calculated gamble by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, and it seems to have paid off. Pivetta’s decision to decline the offer and test free agency will net Boston a valuable compensatory draft pick, and it clears the way for Breslow to pursue significant upgrades to the rotation.
Pivetta, a reliable if inconsistent option during his five-year tenure in Boston, showcased flashes of brilliance but never fully established himself as a top-tier starter. His career 4.29 ERA with the Red Sox reflects his middling results. At 31, he’s banking on securing a multi-year deal in a market where starting pitching is always in demand.
For the Red Sox, this move signals a commitment to improving the rotation’s quality and depth. Reports link them to high-profile targets like Max Fried, Blake Snell, and even a trade for White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet. These additions could bolster a rotation anchored by emerging talents like Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck. The potential return of Lucas Giolito from injury adds further intrigue.
While landing both Fried and Snell seems unlikely, either would provide a much-needed ace for a team looking to contend in a competitive AL East. The decision to move on from Pivetta reflects Boston’s ambition to reshape its pitching staff, leveraging freed-up payroll and draft pick compensation to aim higher.
