Boston Red Sox Free Agency: Key Free Agents and Nick Pivetta’s Future

The Boston Red Sox plan to be active in free agency this year, but they also have free agents of their own to consider. Notable players include outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who led the team in home runs, and veteran relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin.

Starting pitcher Nick Pivetta is the only free agent to whom the Red Sox have made a confirmed offer. He received a qualifying offer at the beginning of the month but turned it down before Thanksgiving. If he leaves, Boston will gain an extra draft pick.

Recent predictions suggest that Pivetta may sign with the St. Louis Cardinals, as reported by Andy McCullough of The Athletic. The publication estimates a potential three-year, $48 million contract for him this winter.

Pivetta has ties to the Cardinals through Chaim Bloom, a former executive with the Red Sox, who brought Pivetta to Boston in 2020. Pivetta had a mixed season, recording a 6-12 record and a 4.14 ERA, but he also struck out 10.6 batters per nine innings. His career home run rate stands at 1.5 per nine innings, suggesting potential if he can reduce home runs allowed.

The Cardinals may outbid the Red Sox for Pivetta if Boston’s front office focuses on higher-profile pitchers. Should Pivetta sign elsewhere, he will aim to prove that leaving Boston was a mistake.