The Boston Red Sox made a surprising move roughly a week ago, extending a qualifying offer to starting pitcher Nick Pivetta before he hit free agency.
Pivetta has until Nov. 19 to accept the qualifying offer, which for 2025 is a one-year deal worth $21.05 million, and if he doesn't, he'll be able to sign with any other team in the league with Boston getting a draft pick back in return.
However, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Pivetta isn't expected to accept the qualifying offer before the deadline.
"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."
While Pivetta may not receive a deal with an average annual salary that equates to the $21.05 million he'd make on the qualifying offer, the stability and security of a multi-year deal, even at a lower rate, would certainly be enticing.
If Pivetta doesn't return to the Red Sox, they'll continue looking at top-end starters to acquire in either free agency or a trade. They may just need to look to add another without Pivetta back.
Red Sox meeting with $600 million superstar free agent soon
Red Sox slugger snubbed from Rookie of the Year finalists
Proposed megadeal would land two All-Stars with the Red Sox