Nick Pivetta Landing Spots: 3 teams likely to pursue Canadian pitcher coming off solid season with Boston Red Sox

Nick Pivetta Landing Spots: 3 Teams Likely to Pursue Canadian Pitcher Coming Off Solid Season with Boston Red Sox

Nick Pivetta, the Canadian right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, is coming off a strong 2023 campaign that has significantly increased his value in the trade and free-agent market. Known for his high velocity, strikeout potential, and durability, Pivetta has cemented himself as a solid option in the major leagues, capable of contributing to a rotation that aims to contend for the postseason. With the 2023 season in the rearview mirror and the Red Sox facing some roster decisions as they continue their rebuilding efforts, the future of Pivetta has become a topic of great interest. Many teams are now looking at the 31-year-old pitcher as a potential solution for their own rotation needs.

Pivetta’s performance in 2023 was marked by his resilience, making 30 starts while logging over 160 innings, a feat that is increasingly rare in today’s baseball landscape. His 4.50 ERA, combined with a solid 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings, highlights his ability to be a reliable innings-eater. Additionally, Pivetta’s ability to adjust and refine his pitching mechanics over the years makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their rotations in pursuit of postseason success. With a career marked by ups and downs, Pivetta’s 2023 performance represents his best chance at securing a long-term commitment with a contender. Several teams have the potential to pursue him this offseason, and in this article, we will explore three landing spots that make the most sense for Pivetta.

The Boston Red Sox’s Future with Nick Pivetta

Before diving into potential suitors, it’s important to first understand the context surrounding Pivetta’s time with the Boston Red Sox. Pivetta joined the Red Sox in 2020 after being traded from the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the years, he has had his ups and downs, but he has always had the raw tools to be a reliable major-league starter. In 2023, Pivetta showed signs of maturation and growth, improving his command and reducing his walks while still maintaining his strikeout potential. As a result, he ended up being one of the Red Sox’s more reliable pitchers, particularly as other members of their rotation struggled with injuries or inconsistency.

However, with the Red Sox in the midst of a rebuilding phase, they are likely to focus on young talent and creating long-term roster flexibility. The team already has several pitchers under team control for the foreseeable future, and with Pivetta set to enter the final year of his contract, they may be looking to cash in on his value while his stock is high. This would allow the Red Sox to acquire young assets or prospects in return, something that could speed up their rebuild.

Although Pivetta remains an important part of the Red Sox’s pitching staff, he could be a valuable trade chip, especially considering the number of teams looking to improve their rotations for 2024 and beyond. Given his solid season, there is a strong chance that Boston will look to trade him to a contender, especially if they believe they can’t re-sign him at the end of his contract.

1. Atlanta Braves: A Contender Looking to Add Depth

The Atlanta Braves, one of the best teams in baseball in recent years, have a rotation that is anchored by elite talent such as Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton. However, depth has been a recurring issue for them in the postseason. Despite having a formidable top three in their rotation, the Braves have struggled with finding reliable options for the fourth and fifth spots. After a dominant regular season, they fell short in the playoffs, and this has raised questions about whether they have enough depth in their pitching staff to make a sustained postseason run in 2024.

Adding Pivetta could address this issue and provide the Braves with a reliable innings-eater who can handle the demands of the regular season and, more importantly, contribute during the postseason. Pivetta’s durability is a key asset, as he has proven capable of starting over 30 games in a season. His ability to log significant innings without a significant drop in performance would be highly valuable to a Braves team that often has to rely on their bullpen for extended periods during the season.

Additionally, Pivetta’s strikeout rate and ability to generate swings and misses would fit well into the Braves’ pitching philosophy. Atlanta’s pitchers have consistently ranked among the league’s best in strikeouts, and adding a pitcher like Pivetta, who has a strikeout rate above 8 K/9 for his career, would complement their rotation. While he may not be an ace, Pivetta could provide the Braves with a high-floor, high-ceiling option as their fourth or fifth starter.

Given the Braves’ success in recent years and their continued pursuit of championships, adding a durable, capable pitcher like Pivetta could be a shrewd move that strengthens their postseason aspirations.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers: A Team Always Looking for Rotation Depth

The Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial contenders, and with a rotation that already boasts elite arms like Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías, they have consistently maintained one of the best pitching staffs in the league. However, in 2023, the Dodgers experienced some vulnerabilities in their rotation, particularly when it came to injuries and depth. As they continue their quest for another World Series title, the Dodgers are likely to explore ways to strengthen their pitching staff.

Pivetta would be an intriguing option for the Dodgers, given their emphasis on high strikeout pitchers and their deep bullpen. While the Dodgers have a stable of excellent starting pitchers, there is always room for depth, especially with the uncertain futures of some of their veterans. The Dodgers have a track record of developing pitchers and maximizing their potential, and Pivetta, with his combination of velocity and strikeout ability, could thrive in their environment.

Moreover, Pivetta could benefit from the Dodgers’ emphasis on analytics and data-driven decision-making. Given that Pivetta has shown flashes of brilliance in the past but has also struggled with consistency, the Dodgers’ pitching infrastructure could help him refine his approach and take his game to the next level. The Dodgers have a proven track record of getting the best out of pitchers who come with some risk but also significant upside, which makes Pivetta an ideal target for them.

Furthermore, the Dodgers’ financial flexibility and their willingness to spend money on improving their roster make them a natural suitor for Pivetta. While he may not be an ace, Pivetta could be the kind of affordable depth option that the Dodgers need to round out their rotation while also protecting themselves against the potential injury risks associated with older pitchers like Kershaw.

3. Minnesota Twins: A Strong Rotation in Need of Consistency

The Minnesota Twins are a team that has experienced both success and frustration in recent seasons. Despite making the postseason in 2023, the team’s pitching staff has been a point of inconsistency. While they have several strong arms, including Sonny Gray and Pablo López, the Twins’ rotation has sometimes been hampered by injuries or lack of performance from their depth pieces. For a team that is clearly on the rise and looking to build on their recent playoff appearances, adding a reliable pitcher to stabilize the rotation is a priority.

Nick Pivetta could be a perfect fit for the Twins as they look to bolster their rotation depth. Pivetta’s ability to provide innings, along with his solid strikeout numbers, makes him a valuable addition for a team like the Twins, who could benefit from having a pitcher who can eat innings and provide stability during the regular season. Pivetta’s durability would be a major asset, allowing the Twins to rest their top pitchers and preserve them for the stretch run and postseason.

Additionally, Pivetta’s ability to strike out batters and limit walks aligns well with the Twins’ pitching philosophy. The team has been focused on improving its strikeout rate in recent years, and adding a pitcher who can contribute in this area would only enhance their staff. While Pivetta might not be an ace, he could slot in nicely as a strong mid-rotation arm for a team that needs consistency.

Minnesota’s financial situation also makes them a potential landing spot for Pivetta. While they aren’t likely to make a massive splash in free agency, Pivetta could be a cost-effective option who provides value beyond his salary. For a team like the Twins, who are looking to stay competitive and continue improving their roster, adding a pitcher like Pivetta could be an impactful move.

Conclusion: Nick Pivetta’s Bright Future

Nick Pivetta’s strong 2023 season with the Boston Red Sox has raised his profile on the free-agent and trade market, and several teams are likely to pursue him this offseason. The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins are three teams that stand out as logical landing spots for Pivetta. Each of these teams has specific needs in their rotation, and Pivetta’s ability to provide durability, strikeouts, and valuable innings would make him an appealing addition.

While Pivetta may not be a high-profile ace, his combination of experience, reliability, and strikeout potential make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its rotation for the 2024 season. With several teams in need of reliable pitching depth, Pivetta’s future in MLB looks bright, and his next stop could be with a team that is poised to contend for a World Series title.