The Padres wanted Nick Pivetta, unlike every other team. They signed him late in the offseason, and Pivetta has rewarded the organization tenfold by giving him a long-term chance.
The 32-year-old right hander has had a rollercoaster of a career, and he never finished a season with an ERA under 4.00. But in 2025, Pivetta has showcased ace-like stuff, and is in the 100th percentile in pitching run value alongside a 2.82 ERA and a league-best 6.0 hits per nine innings.
Pivetta has been the class of the National League, and Major League Baseball is taking notice.