The top Canadian pitcher is off the market.
Nick Pivetta and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a four-year, $55-million contract, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Wednesday.
According to Passan, the deal includes a pair of opt-outs and is pending a physical.
The 31-year-old right-hander regained his status as a full-time starter in 2024 after splitting time between the Boston Red Sox’s bullpen and rotation the previous season. He started 26 games and pitched to a 4.14 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 172 strikeouts over 145.2 innings.
Pivetta is entering his ninth MLB season. He spent the last five seasons with the Red Sox after starting his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. This was the first time the six-foot-five starter has been eligible for free agency.
The Victoria B.C. native was one of 13 free agents who were tendered a qualifying offer, meaning the Red Sox will be compensated with a draft pick after the completion of competitive balance round B, and the Padres will forfeit a pick.
Pivetta was one of 16 Canadian-born players to play in the major leagues last season.
Pivetta joins a Padres rotation headlined by Dylan Cease and also featuring Yu Darvish and Michael King. Padres starters ranked 13th in MLB last season with a 3.91 ERA, tied with the New York Mets.
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