Blue Jays Hot Stove Rumors: Toronto targets former Red Sox's projected $60M starter to revamp struggling rotation
The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most disappointing teams this offseason. After reportedly being linked to several available stars, including Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger, Toronto has been relatively quiet. Even though the team was able to pull off a nice deal by acquiring infielder Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, they have been rather quiet since.
That said, there is no shortage of rumors linking the Blue Jays to several free agents looking for their next deal. One of those players is Nick Pivetta, who is coming off a decent season with the Boston Red Sox. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Canadian-born starter is reportedly one of the team's targets as they look to add a proven arm to their pitching rotation.
Although Pivetta might not be a superstar, he has enjoyed a solid MLB career and could help improve Toronto's pitching staff ahead of the 2025 campaign. Last season, Pivetta posted a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA with 172 strikeouts.
Predicting the type of deal a player could receive in free agency is difficult. However, according to Sportrac, the veteran starter could be eyeing down a four-year deal worth $60 million.
At $15 million a year, Pivetta's potential annual salary would put him behind the likes of other Blue Jays pitchers, such as Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt. This would be fitting, considering that he would likely fall behind them in the pitching order as well.
Pivetta could be an interesting fit for Toronto, not only because he was born in Canada but because of his ability to rack up strikeouts. Last season, the Blue Jays finished 24th in total team strikeouts, and bringing in a pitcher with the ability to miss bats could be exactly what the team is missing. It may simply come down to the financial side of things.
Nick Pivetta is not the only free agent pitcher linked to the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency
Although Pivetta might be a more realistic option for Toronto at this point of the offseason, they have been mentioned as a possible destination for arguably the biggest name remaining in free agency: Corbin Burnes.
According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Blue Jays remain one of the top contenders to sign Burnes this offseason. He also suggested that their biggest competition could be the San Francisco Giants, who have already shown their willingness to splash the cash by signing Willy Adames earlier this offseason.
While Burnes finds himself in a different tier than Nick Pivetta, both pitchers have the tools and strengths that could greatly benefit Toronto heading into the new campaign.