As fans and analysts suspected, Nick Pivetta almost certainly won’t return to the Red Sox. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Pivetta will likely reject Boston’s $21.05 million qualifying offer and will instead enter the free agent market seeking a more lucrative deal. That means it’s almost time for the Sox to find his replacement.

Pivetta’s replacement should demonstrate a similar level of durability and efficiency. The right-hander recorded a 4.14 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while allowing 28 home runs in 2024. He is known to eat innings while maximizing strikeouts and minimizing walks. Pivetta recorded 172 strikeouts and walked 36 batters this season, resulting in a 10.6 K/9 and a 2.2 BB/9 rate. For Boston to improve their rotation, they must find someone who can replicate his productivity.

While Pivetta’s talent will be missed, the Sox need to take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their rotation while keeping their costs down. The Sox can easily find a pitcher who controls the strike zone and doesn’t cost a fortune in a free agent class filled with diverse talent. And there’s a way to make that happen this offseason.

3 Nick Pivetta upgrades the Red Sox can sign in free agency with relative ease

Yusei Kikuchi

Kikuchi is a top-ranked free agent who offers several desirable traits. He’s coming off a solid season where he maintained a 4.05 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP while posting a career-best 206 strikeouts and 44 walks through 175 2/3 innings. His left-handedness would also balance out the right-heavy Sox rotation. Also, Kikuchi’s ability to bounce back from slumps is admirable. Though he struggled at times with the Mariners and Blue Jays, his trade to the Astros at this year’s deadline really showed off his ceiling, providing promise for what’s to come. Paying $42 million for three years, as predicted by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, would be a small price to pay to add a star to the roster.

Nick Martinez

Martinez is a more refined version of Pivetta. Though he doesn’t pump out strikeouts at Pivetta’s high rate, he still gets the job done while limiting runs and walks. He finished 2024 with a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 4.0 WAR while only surrendering 13 home runs. His ability to switch between the starting rotation and bullpen would add versatility to a rotation that lacks depth and is susceptible to injuries. His $18.7 million per year price tag, according to Spotrac, is a fair price to pay for Martinez’s value. Perhaps the Sox can offer a two- or three-year deal at a lower AAV as Martinez heads into his age-34 season.

Nathan Eovaldi

Recently, the Sox have reportedly shown strong interest in reuniting with Eovaldi. He was a stud while pitching for the Sox and has only gotten better since. Over 172 innings with the Rangers this year, he held a 3.80 ERA, tallying 166 strikeouts and 23 walks. His extensive experience in the postseason between Boston and Texas makes him an even more attractive free agent as the Sox hope to play October baseball in 2025. Eovaldi would be a great fit and an obvious rotation upgrade, and his estimated contract of $44 million over two years would be a bargain for a fantastic veteran (while fitting right into the Sox’s range).