The Cleveland Guardians could be facing an unexpected second chance to acquire right-hander Nick Pivetta, a pitcher they seriously targeted last winter before he ultimately joined the San Diego Padres on a four-year, 55-million-dollar contract. Only a season later, San Diego appears ready to listen to trade proposals for Pivetta as they explore ways to reshape their roster and reduce payroll commitments. For Cleveland, a club always searching for high-quality, durable starting pitching, this scenario is both tempting and complicated.
Pivetta’s appeal is obvious. After signing with the Padres, he delivered an impressive 2025 campaign, finishing with a 2.87 ERA over 181 2/3 innings and striking out 190 batters. Those numbers placed him among the top performers in the National League and earned him a sixth-place finish in Cy Young voting. His combination of velocity, strikeout ability and resilience makes him a strong fit for any rotation, especially one seeking stability after an uneven year. Cleveland, which struggled with consistency and injuries among its starters, would benefit enormously from such an addition.
However, Pivetta’s contract structure creates both opportunity and risk. His deal includes a three-million-dollar signing bonus and a modest one-million-dollar salary in 2025, but the amount jumps dramatically to nineteen million dollars in 2026. The contract then decreases to fourteen million in 2027 and climbs again to eighteen million in 2028. More importantly, Pivetta holds opt-outs after both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. That means whichever team acquires him could receive either a short-term rental or a multi-year starter, depending on his performance and market conditions. For Cleveland, a team accustomed to maximizing value through cost-controlled pitching, this represents a significant shift from their usual financial strategy.
The trade cost only adds to the complexity. San Diego is expected to demand a strong return in any Pivetta trade, including some of Cleveland’s top young arms. Names like Parker Messick and Joey Cantillo have already surfaced as potential pieces the Padres might require. Some insiders suggest San Diego might also ask for a position-player prospect or even a more established big-league piece if the deal expands in scope. Considering Cleveland’s emphasis on building through pitching depth and long-term development, giving up major assets for a pitcher who could leave after 2026 is a difficult decision.
Still, the potential upside cannot be ignored. A rotation featuring Pivetta would immediately elevate Cleveland’s competitiveness. His strikeout-heavy profile complements the Guardians’ defensive strengths, and his workload capacity would provide stability behind younger arms who sometimes face innings limitations. For a team hoping to contend soon, adding a near-top-tier starter could be the difference between merely staying afloat and pushing into serious playoff contention.
But the risks remain considerable. A one-year or two-year rental comes at a high prospect price, and any injury or regression from Pivetta would leave Cleveland with neither long-term value nor financial flexibility. His salary spike in 2026 alone would force the Guardians to make difficult roster decisions, and the opt-outs reduce their control over the situation.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Pivetta would improve the Guardians — he undoubtedly would — but whether the timing and cost align with Cleveland’s broader strategy. The opportunity is real, and the fit is clear. The challenge lies in deciding whether this is the moment to go all-in or whether the smarter move is to stay patient and protect the organization’s future depth.
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