Is Nick Pivetta Returning to the Boston Red Sox?

BOSTON, Mass. — Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta remains a free agent, sparking speculation about a potential return to the team. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that Pivetta, who has spent the last five seasons in Boston, could still find a place with the club as it seeks to bolster its pitching rotation.

Pivetta, 32, had a mixed 2024 season, finishing with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.126 WHIP. He opted to decline a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox at the start of the offseason, hoping for a more lucrative deal elsewhere. However, the market has not developed as he expected, and as pitchers and catchers report to spring training this week, Pivetta remains unsigned.

“Right-hander Nick Pivetta radiates talent, and teams’ pitching models adore his stuff,” Passan noted. “Teams in need of more starting pitching — the Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, and even Boston — are obvious fits.”

Despite Pivetta’s strong resume, his return to the Red Sox seems complicated due to a crowded rotation. Key pitchers include Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Tanner Houck, fresh off an All-Star season. The team is exploring the possibility of a six-man rotation, but there may not be a clear path for Pivetta without an injury or other changes.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow addressed Pivetta’s status on Tuesday. Breslow highlighted the team’s flexibility, indicating they could either sign Pivetta if an opportunity arises or allow him to pursue other offers, adding it’s a win-win situation.

“We can afford to wait and see what happens,” Breslow said. “If there’s an injury or something unfolds, we’re open to bringing Nick back if the circumstances align.”

Passan also commented on the nature of Pivetta’s contract demands. “The type of contract Pivetta is seeking is of great interest to those considering pursuing him,” he wrote. “As free agency drags on, teams begin to offer lower-than-expected deals, but Pivetta’s potential may allow him to hold out for a more favorable multiyear contract.”

While the clock ticks down to the start of the season, the Red Sox continue their preparations, hoping to improve as they address both their starting rotation challenges and overall infield defense for the upcoming year.