Former Red Sox Pitcher Could Return to Boston After Failed Free Agency
The 2025 MLB season is right around the corner and there are still several former Boston Red Sox sitting in free agency, including veteran right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta.
The 31-year-old Canadian hurler has been looking for a new home ever since he rejected a $21.05 million qualifying offer in hopes of seeking a lengthier deal. Although some MLB clubs have shown interest in Pivetta's services, none have been enthusiastic enough to put pen to paper. Unless something changes, he could be unemployed to begin the regular season.
At least, that's unless one Red Sox insider's projection becomes a reality.
Red Sox Rumors: Could RHP Nick Pivetta Return to Boston?
On Monday, MassLive's Chris Cotillo floated around the idea of Pivetta potentially returning to the Red Sox for the 2025 campaign.
"Nick Pivetta is still out there and the qualifying offer is clearly hurting his market," Cotillo wrote. "The Red Sox have seen him dominate in the late innings before and could be interested in a reunion if his market continues to struggle."
"His versatility is obviously a plus and Boston could provide a soft landing on a one-year deal if he wants to re-enter free agency without the QO attached next year."
The Red Sox aren’t close to the CBT threshold. They have money to spend. With two weeks before pitchers and catchers report… a look at everything they could spend it on (if they do): https://t.co/1t52Zbbj08
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 27, 2025
Even though Pivetta likely isn't enthused about possibly returning to Boston, he's turning 32 years old next month and won't be getting any younger. As much as he might not be enthused by the idea of a Red Sox return, it might be his best path to ensuring that he's on an Opening Day roster.
Outside interest in Pivetta is likely low due to his underwhelming 2024 performance. After winning 10 games in each of the two previous seasons, the Victoria, BC native went an uninspiring 6-12 across 27 appearances last season, pitching to a 4.14 ERA and 1.126 WHIP with his lowest WAR in four seasons (1.8).
Even if the Red Sox are interested in a reunion, it remains to be seen how Pivetta would fit into the mix. Not only are the likes of Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford back for another season, but Boston also added Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet to the rotation this offseason.
The Red Sox also signed the injured Patrick Sandoval to a two-year deal last month, and Lucas Giolito will make his highly-anticipated debut after missing the 2024 season with an injured UCL.
There clearly isn't a pressing need for Pivetta in Boston, but that doesn't mean a reconnection is impossible. The Red Sox could be open to a new contract if the 6-foot-5 hurler is willing to take a discount, especially since it's never a bad idea to have too much pitching depth.
It remains to be seen how a reunion with Pivetta would impact the Red Sox's championship odds. For now, Boston is set to head into the 2025 campaign with the 12th-best World Series odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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