The Toronto Blue Jays are actively seeking ways to revamp their roster after a disappointing season, but so far, their efforts have yet to materialize. With the team finishing last in their division in 2024, they urgently need to acquire new talent to stay competitive. A successful 2025 season could also influence key players, such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to commit to the team long-term, making this offseason a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Toronto has reportedly shown interest in several available players, and one potential target is former Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Pivetta could be a solid fit for the Blue Jays as they explore pitching options to bolster their rotation.
“With respect to Pivetta, one team I’ll mention that Jon Heyman has previously reported on is the Blue Jays,” Morosi stated. “The Blue Jays could be a potential landing spot for Nick Pivetta. They were heavily involved in the Corbin Burnes market earlier this offseason. Pivetta, of course, hails from Canada—Western Canada, specifically. That connection makes Toronto an intriguing possibility.”
Pivetta’s Market Value
Nick Pivetta, a 31-year-old Canadian right-hander, is projected to command a four-year contract worth $60 million—a substantial increase from the $7.5 million he earned in 2024. Pivetta has steadily developed into a reliable starter, making him an appealing option for teams looking to strengthen their pitching staff. However, signing him comes with an added cost: the team that lands Pivetta would have to surrender a draft pick, as he was extended a qualifying offer by the Red Sox.
Despite the cost, the Blue Jays may find themselves in a position where they have little choice but to invest heavily in new talent. After a lackluster 2024 campaign, desperation could push Toronto to open its checkbook and make significant moves, even if it means sacrificing a draft pick and committing to a sizable contract.
Why Pivetta Makes Sense for Toronto
Pivetta’s Canadian roots add an intriguing layer to the potential fit with the Blue Jays. Born in British Columbia, Pivetta would likely feel at home playing for Canada’s only Major League Baseball team. This homegrown connection could also resonate with the fan base, creating excitement and fostering goodwill as the franchise looks to bounce back from its disappointing performance.
Beyond the sentimental value, Pivetta brings consistent performance and durability to the table. Over the past few seasons, he has established himself as a dependable starter capable of eating innings and delivering quality outings. His addition would address one of Toronto’s most pressing needs—a more stable and effective starting rotation.
The Blue Jays were linked to high-profile pitching targets earlier this offseason, including Corbin Burnes, but Pivetta represents a more realistic option. While not a top-tier ace, he is a proven starter who could slot into the middle or back end of Toronto’s rotation, providing much-needed depth.
Challenges Ahead
Despite Pivetta’s appeal, there are hurdles to completing a deal. The $60 million price tag may deter the Blue Jays, who must weigh the long-term financial implications of such a contract. Additionally, surrendering a draft pick could be a sticking point, particularly for a team that values building through its farm system.
The competition for Pivetta’s services also complicates matters. As a free agent with a solid track record, Pivetta is likely drawing interest from multiple teams, which could drive up his price and make negotiations more challenging. The Blue Jays will need to act decisively if they want to secure him before other suitors step in.
The Bigger Picture for Toronto
Signing Pivetta would be just one step in the Blue Jays’ effort to rebuild and contend in 2025. The team faces several questions, including the future of its core players. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a cornerstone of the franchise, has yet to commit to staying in Toronto beyond his current contract. A successful offseason and competitive 2025 campaign could play a critical role in convincing him to remain with the team long-term.
The Blue Jays’ struggles in 2024 highlighted the need for improvement across multiple areas, from pitching to offensive consistency. While Pivetta’s addition would address one key issue, Toronto will need to explore additional moves to position itself as a contender in a competitive division.
Conclusion
The Blue Jays’ reported interest in Nick Pivetta underscores their urgency to turn the page on a disappointing season and return to contention. While signing Pivetta would require a significant financial commitment and the loss of a draft pick, his Canadian roots, reliability, and potential to bolster the rotation make him an attractive target.
Toronto must carefully evaluate whether Pivetta’s $60 million price tag aligns with their long-term strategy and whether his addition would be enough to kickstart a competitive turnaround. With the clock ticking on Guerrero’s future with the team, the Blue Jays’ moves this offseason will likely shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.
If desperation drives the Blue Jays to make a bold play for Pivetta, it could signal their willingness to take risks in pursuit of success. However, only time will tell if such a move would pay off or if Toronto will need to explore other avenues to rebuild and reclaim its place as a contender.
