The Boston Red Sox have begun the season with an unexpectedly strong performance from their pitching staff, leading all of MLB with a 2.68 ERA and ranking in the top three for total strikeouts, WHIP, and opposing batting average.
Nick Pivetta stood out among all hurlers in his first two starts, surrendering just one earned run over 11 innings while amassing 13 strikeouts. Despite landing on the 15-day injured list due to difficulties recovering from his second start, NESN reports that Pivetta is anticipated to return to the mound in late April to continue his impressive debut.
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Looking ahead, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald discussed potential scenarios for Pivetta at the conclusion of his one-year, $7.5 million contract with the team. Cerullo indicated that both the Red Sox and Pivetta have incentives to wait and assess their options before making decisions on extension or trade by the deadline.
Pivetta’s performance before his injury marked a significant surprise in the Red Sox rotation, which has seen stellar starts from numerous members including Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock.
With the uncertainty surrounding Pivetta’s hot start and impending free agency, it may be challenging for the Red Sox to commit to him or part ways during the season. However, given his potential as a free agent, Cerullo noted that the upcoming winter could represent Pivetta’s best opportunity to secure a lucrative multi-year contract.
Nevertheless, if the Red Sox’s playoff prospects diminish and Pivetta’s teammates struggle to maintain their form, he could emerge as a sought-after trade asset during the midseason.
Cerullo pointed out that in such a scenario, trading Pivetta could provide the Red Sox with an opportunity to bolster their roster for a playoff push while obtaining more value in return than merely a compensatory draft pick.
