The Padres recently signed top star to a four-year contract worth $55 million, with a heavily backloaded structure. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary in 2025, followed by $19 million, $14 million, and $18 million over the next three years. Pivetta has opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons.
New details have emerged regarding injury-related contingencies in the contract. If he sustains a specified injury or undergoes surgery and remains on the injured list for more than 130 consecutive days in a season or within a one-year span through 2026, his $14 million salary for 2027 converts into a club option. If the Padres decline the option, he will become a free agent after earning $23 million in the first two years. If he avoids the injury stipulations, he retains $14 million and $18 million player options for 2027 and 2028.
Additionally, the Padres have a $5 million club option for 2029 if Pivetta experiences a similar injury scenario between July 1, 2026, and the 2028 season. This structure provides the team with financial flexibility in case of a major injury, such as Tommy John surgery, which typically sidelines pitchers for over a year. Given the Padres’ recent financial constraints, these provisions offer protection against significant payroll risks while allowing them to retain Pivetta at a reduced cost if needed.