Padres’ Nick Pivetta option comes with a bigger gamble than it seems

Friars on Base argues that the San Diego Padres face a significant gamble regarding Nick Pivetta's contract options following an elbow-shortened 2026 season. Exercising Pivetta's $14 million team option for 2027 would also guarantee the pitcher an $18 million player option for 2028, effectively handing him control over a potential two-year, $32 million commitment.

Writer Tremayne Person highlights that an extended right elbow flexor strain triggered the option structure, making a revised contract the more logical route for president of baseball operations A.J. Preller. The article notes that Pivetta has posted a 2.78 ERA across 39 starts with San Diego, but his injury risk demands rotation insurance.