The San Diego Padres are looking to lower their payroll going into the 2026 season, and one ex-Red Sox pitcher might be on the trade block.
The Padres have “shown a willingness to entertain offers for Nick Pivetta,” The Athletic reported on Monday, adding that a deal is “not considered likely,” but San Diego’s options to get its payroll lowered are limited.
There were no teams mentioned that could be potential suitors for the right-hander.
Pivetta signed a four-year, $55 million backloaded contract with the Padres in February after five seasons with the Red Sox.
Pivetta is owed $20.5 million in 2026 and has an opt-out after next season.
In his first season in San Diego, Pivetta had a career year with a 13-5 record and 2.87 ERA. He also finished sixth in National League Cy Young voting.
The Padres’ starting rotation lost Dylan Cease in free agency to the Toronto Blue Jays and will be without Yu Darvish after he underwent elbow surgery last month.