Boston Red Sox Gain Big Advantage in Pursuit of Big-Name Free Agents

Because they'll get a compensatory draft pick for losing Nick Pivetta, the Red Sox shouldn't be afraid of forfeiting a draft pick for a big-name free agent.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (37) delivers a pitch during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Aug 20. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox learned that pitcher Nick Pivetta declined the one-year qualifying offer that the team gave him. This makes Pivetta a free agent and means that the Red Sox will receive a draft pick at the end of the second round if Pivetta signs elsewhere.

First and foremost, in losing Pivetta, the Red Sox are losing a dependable arm. They have starting pitcher options available though and can afford to see him exit. Lucas Giolito, Bryan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, Cooper Criswell and Richard Fitts are all starting options next year, and that's before you entertain adding guys in free agency or through trades.

And on that note, the Red Sox have another big ace up their sleeve. If the Red Sox were to sign a big-name pitcher like Max Fried (who also received a QO), they'd be forced to give up their own high draft pick. In a budget-conscious baseball world, teams don't like to forfeit high picks that come with long-term affordability. However, because the Red Sox will gain a pick for losing Pivetta, they can afford to be a little more aggressive in going after guys who have a qualifying offer pick attached.

In addition to Fried, that is also the case for guys like Alex Bregman, who the Sox have been connected to. Juan Soto would also require giving up a high draft pick.

Tyler Milliken of "Section 10" made that connection on social media:

Nick Pivetta has officially declined the Qualifying Offer, per @ChrisCotillo.

Give Craig Breslow his credit. He read the market perfectly and this should only make it easier to swallow signing a FA with a QO attached.

Great start to the offseason for the Red Sox. pic.twitter.com/mB5sJakfEZ

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 19, 2024

The Red Sox went 81-81 this past season, finishing third in the American League East. They haven't been to the playoffs since 2021.

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