Nick Pivetta was a revelation for the San Diego Padres in 2025. He stepped up and became the team's ace when they needed him most.
While Pivetta was a cool story in 2025, the Padres' rotation might be even weaker in 2026. That means for better or worse, they will need Pivetta to continue pitching like an ace next year.
Whenever a player has a breakout season like Pivetta did last year, there tends to be a discussion about whether or not the breakout is legit, or if it is a mirage due to luck and optimal circumstances.