Acee later flagged lingering elbow doubts for Pivetta, noting the option drop was anticipated and a new pact could still be negotiated.
The Padres officially declined right‑hander Nick Pivetta’s club option, confirming the move first reported by Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union‑Tribune, making him a free agent.
San Diego had inked Pivetta to a four‑year, $55 million deal through 2025, with player opt‑outs after 2026 and 2027, but a prolonged injury this season altered those terms.
Because he logged more than 130 injured‑list days, the club faced a $14 million option for 2027. The price isn’t huge, yet his injury résumé raised doubts. It doesn’t preclude a reunion; A.J. Preller hinted a fresh agreement could surface.
Pivetta logged four starts before a mid‑April flexor strain landed him on the IL. After rehab setbacks he returned in early September, posting a 2.86 ERA, 3.18 xFIP and 3.17 SIERA over 34 2/3 innings in eight starts, plus 7 2/3 postseason frames.
The 2026 flexor issue echoed a similar 2024 strain he suffered with Boston, where he still managed 27 starts. That setback impacted his free‑agency market, yet his San Diego contract allowed a return to free agency if he stayed healthy, shielding the club from repeat arm problems.
In the first year of his deal, Pivetta shouldered a career‑high 181 2/3 regular‑season innings and added five playoff frames, posting a 2.86 ERA over 31 starts and landing sixth in Cy Young voting.
For my money, the $14 million option alone isn’t the only hurdle; an $18 million player option for 2028 looms, urging Preller’s team to renegotiate rather than walk away.
With Michael King and Walker Buehler also heading to free agency, the Padres’ rotation leans on Joe Musgrove, Randy Vasquez, JP Sears and Jhony Brito. Will they find enough depth to stay competitive?