The Boston Red Sox are set to part ways with starting pitcher Nick Pivetta after a “shocking” move involving a $21 million qualifying offer. Pivetta, who has been with the Red Sox for five seasons, was extended the qualifying offer by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. At the time, it was considered a risky decision, as Pivetta had been inconsistent in his performance. However, Breslow was betting that Pivetta would turn down the offer, which would allow the Red Sox to receive a compensatory draft pick if Pivetta signed elsewhere.
Pivetta, 31, ultimately declined the offer on the MLB deadline for qualifying offer decisions, choosing to hit the open market instead. Over his five seasons with the Red Sox, he posted a 37-41 record with a 4.29 ERA, which, despite some flashes of promise, was not enough to secure a long-term spot in Boston’s rotation. With this move, it seems the Red Sox are ready to look for better pitching options as they enter the 2025 season.
The decision to let Pivetta go aligns with the Red Sox’s broader strategy to bolster their pitching staff. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the team is not only involved in trade discussions for Juan Soto, but also targeting top-tier starters. Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves and Blake Snell of the San Francisco Giants are reportedly among the Red Sox’s primary targets. Both pitchers would add much-needed strength to the top of Boston’s rotation, which had some promising performers in 2024, but still lacks an elite ace.
As of the end of the 2024 season, the Red Sox have Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck in their rotation mix. Houck, in particular, emerged as one of the team’s best pitchers, showing significant promise. They also have Lucas Giolito, who was signed last offseason but missed much of the year due to injury, still in the fold. However, the Red Sox are aware that they need more than just internal options to compete in a competitive AL East.
In addition to looking for a top-tier starter, the Red Sox are reportedly pursuing Garrett Crochet, a left-handed pitcher from the Chicago White Sox, through a trade. If they can land both Snell or Fried and Crochet, it would significantly improve their pitching depth and give them a formidable rotation. However, such moves would likely require parting with valuable assets, possibly including Houck, who could be traded to the White Sox in a deal for Crochet.
The impending departure of Pivetta opens up financial flexibility for the Red Sox to pursue these high-profile pitching acquisitions. While it remains a long shot that they secure both Fried and Snell, the decision to move on from Pivetta has certainly created room for the team to make a run at upgrading their pitching staff. With the right moves, the Red Sox could vastly improve their rotation for the 2025 season.