In February 2025, the San Diego Padres signed veteran pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal worth $55 million. 

The contract includes opt-outs for 2027 and 2028, and San Diego decided to pass on Pivetta's option that would've paid him $14 million in 2027. 

As it turns out, that doesn't mean the Padres are done with Pivetta. In fact, Robert Murray of FanSided reported on Tuesday that San Diego is "interested" in bringing Pivetta back to San Diego for the foreseeable future. 

Pivetta was San Diego's ace in 2025, and he has ranked in the top 15 in ERA, WHIP and opponents OPS over the past two seasons. 

This year, Pivetta made four starts before being sidelined until the beginning of September. He then returned and pitched well, including starting two playoff games during the postseason run. 

Pivetta finished 2026 with a 3-2 record and a 2.86 ERA across 8 regular-season appearances. In 2025, he went 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 31 games, so San Diego is certainly hoping he can go back to that form if they find a way to make ends meet financially. 

Before coming to San Diego, Pivetta spent four and a half seasons with the Boston Red Sox, and he began his MLB run with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The Padres declining the $14 million option might be a bit of a surprise, but the long injury in 2026 could damper expectations for Pivetta. 

However, Spotrac's market value for Pivetta is at four years and $108,625,616, which would net him an average of $27.2 million per season. 

AJ Preller also spoke to reporters on Tuesday at the GM Meetings, and he acknowledged that they told Pivetta during the opt-out process that they had interest in bringing him back.

That all bodes well for Pivetta, and the veteran returning to San Diego would be a big boost for the rotation. 

The Padres are reportedly expressing interest in ace Tarik Skubal, and he might be at the forefront of their process before San Diego decides how else they will round out the rotation. 

Michael King is also a free agent, and San Diego has also expressed interest in bringing him back, especially after a huge 2026 season and a gutsy performance in the playoffs. 

There are several scenarios for San Diego, but there is a realistic chance that Nick Pivetta is pitching at Petco Park again on a regular basis in 2027.