The San Diego Padres took their time making a significant move during the most recent free agency period. As anticipated, they lost several key players — including Ha-Seong Kim, Jurickson Profar, Tanner Scott, Kyle Higashioka, Donavon Solano, and Martín Pérez — with Elias Díaz being the only notable major leaguer retained.
Given the team’s ownership issues and looming payroll reductions, many Padres fans were left frustrated as the roster deteriorated, culminating in a Game 5 loss in the NLDS to the eventual World Series champions.
Although the front office brought in some experienced names like Jason Heyward, Kyle Hart, Connor Joe, and Gavin Sheets, none were considered major acquisitions. That changed on February 17, when AJ Preller made a splash by signing Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract — a move that, one month into the season, is already proving to be a major asset for the team.
Pivetta’s Start to 2025
When the Padres acquired Nick Pivetta, the plan was for him to slot in as their No. 4 starter behind Michael King, Dylan Cease, and Yu Darvish. Coming off two strong seasons with the Red Sox—where he compiled 3.9 fWAR and posted xERAs below 4 in both years—Pivetta was expected to be a solid, reliable contributor. If he could replicate that level of performance, San Diego would boast one of the deepest rotations in baseball.
Instead, Pivetta has outperformed all expectations. Through 35.1 innings, he’s posted a stellar 1.78 ERA with 39 strikeouts and currently ranks in the 100th percentile for pitching run value. While it’s still early—just 33 games into the Padres’ season—there are promising signs that this breakout might be sustainable.
Two key factors are fueling his success: his new home stadium and his pitching coach. Petco Park is one of the most pitcher-friendly venues in the majors, a stark contrast to hitter-friendly Fenway Park in Boston. He’s also now under the guidance of Ruben Niebla, a respected pitching coach who previously helped develop elite staffs in Cleveland. With this environment and support, Pivetta appears poised for the best season of his career.
Pivetta’s contract
Aside from his outstanding performance, Nick Pivetta is a major bargain for the Padres due to the structure of his contract. They secured him on a highly team-friendly deal, paying just $4 million this season—an incredibly low figure considering his value to the starting rotation.
In 2026, his salary jumps to $19 million, with an opt-out clause following that season. If he chooses to stay, he’ll earn $14 million in 2027 and $18 million in 2028. Whether or not he exercises the opt-out, the Padres are getting tremendous value.
While it’s unlikely Pivetta can sustain his April-level dominance all year, a career-best season appears likely—and not without precedent. Last year, Michael King and Dylan Cease both emerged with top-10 Cy Young finishes after breakout campaigns. Pivetta looks to be the next in line, and his ascension is already underway.
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