Overview
- The club’s decision to decline the $14 million 2027 club option makes right-hander Nick Pivetta a free agent.
- A 147-consecutive-day injured-list stint for a right elbow flexor strain triggered a contract provision that converted Pivetta’s player option into a team option and shaped the club’s choice.
- Pivetta returned in September and posted a 2.86 ERA in 34 2/3 innings across eight regular-season starts and also made two postseason starts.
- Padres leadership has expressed interest in re-signing Pivetta on a new contract that would reduce the team’s financial and injury exposure.
- Declining the option removes roughly $32 million of potential remaining commitment from the original deal and creates at least one vacancy the Padres must address in their 2027 rotation plans.