The Red Sox had a pretty decent read on Nick Pivetta’s market, after all.
Boston made early headlines this offseason by extending a qualifying offer to the 31-year-old, which would pay him north of $21 million for the upcoming season. The Red Sox didn’t necessarily make that move because they wanted to retain Pivetta, however.
It was just good business.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan gave insight into the right-hander’s path throughout free agency on Tuesday, revealing that multiple teams are willing to go all-in to obtain his services — which would play into Boston’s favor.
“He almost certainly won’t accept the qualifying offer to return to Boston; at least a three-year deal awaits Pivetta in free agency,” Passan wrote. “Teams believe his stuff plays like a frontline starter, and whether it’s the Cubs, Orioles, Braves or others, Pivetta is looking at one of the biggest deals of the winter for a starter.”
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The Red Sox will receive a second-round compensatory draft pick if they lose Pivetta, which wouldn’t have been available to them without extending the qualifying offer. Boston is likely to lose a middle-of-the-rotation arm, but with multiple reports revealing how strongly teams value Pivetta, it won’t be for nothing.
Featured image via Troy Taormina/Imagn Images
