Red Sox Offer Qualifying Deal to Pivetta

The Boston Red Sox have extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to pitcher Nick Pivetta, surprising some given his league-average performance with a 4.14 ERA in the 2024 season. Pivetta, who has shown consistent strikeout ability, must decide by November 19 whether to accept the offer or enter free agency. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow expressed that Pivetta has the qualities needed for a successful major league pitcher, including a high strikeout rate and low walk rate, despite his vulnerability to home runs. The Red Sox's decision not to extend a similar offer to outfielder Tyler O'Neill highlights their focus on adding pitching depth, though they still need top-end talent for their rotation. With Pivetta potentially staying, Boston could look to trade from their surplus of starting pitchers to address other lineup needs.