Nick Pivetta looks to be part of the 2024 Red Sox rotation, possibly an extension?
Back in May, the idea of Nick Pivetta starting a game for the Red Sox seemed like an after thought. The starter was demoted to the bullpen after beginning the season with a grotesque 6.30 ERA. He was then kicked into the bullpen and transformed himself into a valuable member of the Red Sox moving forward.
There were question’s whether Pivetta would professionally accept his new bullpen role. Instead of sulking, the right-hander flourished.
Pivetta will end the season as the Red Sox best starting pitcher, something no one other than maybe himself and the coaching staff could have envisioned.
On Friday night, Pivetta tossed an impressive 10-strikeout gem, defeating the AL East champion Orioles. Pivetta walked one, allowed just two hits in the Sox’ 3-0 win.
“I feel very confident, feel very happy. Disappointed that I don’t get to continue throwing,” Pivetta said. “But, I’m ready to go into next year, have a good mind-set and a good foundation to kind of build on, and just kind of continue moving forward.”
Speaking of moving forward, what does his future hold with the Red Sox?
The Sox need innings eaters and starters to anchor down the rotation in 2024 and beyond. Pivetta has shown he’s healthy, can take the ball every fifth day and could be a very valuable No. 5 starter moving forward.
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“He’s become one of the best pitchers in the big leagues the last [three] and a half months,” Alex Cora said. “He’s grown so much, matured so much. He understands the whole team concept. He really likes it here. And it’s something that he’s been loud and clear about it. He loves it here. He loves the atmosphere.”
At one point this season, Pivetta looked like he’d be a trade candidate at some point. Now, the Sox are looking at him as someone to fortify their rotation.
The new head of baseball operations could look to extend the righty who is eligible for free agency at the end of next season.
Pivetta isn’t ready to start talking about whether he deserves a new contract.
“I’m not going to speak to that. We still have to get a new GM. We have to do new hires,” Pivetta said. “I love playing for the organization of course … You don’t leave any doors closed. Leave them all open and see where it goes.
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“But my focus is just on being better for next year. My time here has been really good. I’ve really appreciated it. I want to continue to compete with this organization. I look forward to continuing to do that.”
According to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, there’s speculation that Pivetta earn anywhere between two years, $25 million to four years and $60 million.
Pivetta ends his 2023 season with a career-best 4.04 ERA and has an opportunity to be a member of the Sox rotation for next year and beyond.
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