Overview
- Rival general managers, in reports Sunday citing USA Today's Bob Nightengale, said they expect Pivetta to use his post-2026 opt-out and enter free agency.
- Pivetta’s clause would mean walking away from the final two years of his Padres contract worth $32 million, or about $16 million per season.
- Those GMs believe he can beat that figure on the open market, signaling broad interest if he reaches free agency.
- Pivetta, 33, opened 2026 with a 5.54 ERA in three starts per Yahoo Sports after posting a 2.87 ERA over his first 31 Padres starts, which built his case.
- Opt-outs let players trade guaranteed money for a chance at a larger deal, so Pivetta’s choice will hinge on his full-season performance and health in 2026.