The Atlanta Braves have once again proven they are unafraid to make bold moves to stay at the forefront of Major League Baseball’s elite. On Monday, the team announced the signing of veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta to a three-year, $70 million deal, a move that sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
While Pivetta’s acquisition adds depth to an already formidable rotation, it comes at a cost: the Braves sacrificed a valuable draft pick as part of the signing, sparking heated debates about the long-term implications of the decision.
Nick Pivetta is no stranger to the spotlight, having spent parts of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and, most recently, the Boston Red Sox. Known for his electric fastball and ability to generate strikeouts, Pivetta showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, finishing with a 4.30 ERA, 178 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.29 over 160 innings.
However, consistency has often eluded the 32-year-old, with his career ERA sitting at 4.93. What makes this signing intriguing is the Braves’ apparent belief that Pivetta’s best years lie ahead. Analytics have highlighted his improved spin rates and a significant uptick in his strikeout-to-walk ratio during the latter half of 2024, suggesting untapped potential.
Speaking about the deal, Braves pitching coach Rick Kranitz expressed confidence in Pivetta’s upside:
“Nick has the tools to be a significant contributor. We’re excited to work with him and help him reach new heights in his career.”
By signing Pivetta, the Braves forfeited their second-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, along with a portion of their international bonus pool money. The move has drawn criticism from some corners, with fans and analysts questioning whether the team overpaid for a mid-rotation starter.
The Braves’ front office, however, sees this as a necessary sacrifice in pursuit of a championship. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos addressed the criticism head-on:
“Draft picks are important, but our focus is on maximizing the window of opportunity we have right now. Nick’s addition gives us a more complete rotation, which we believe is critical to competing deep into October.”
The Braves have been one of the most dominant teams in baseball over the past few seasons, thanks in large part to their stellar pitching staff. Adding Pivetta bolsters a rotation already featuring Cy Young candidate Spencer Strider, veteran Max Fried, and reliable options like Charlie Morton and Bryce Elder.
Pivetta’s role in the rotation may vary depending on matchups and health, but his ability to pitch deep into games and keep hitters off balance could prove invaluable. The Braves also value his postseason experience—he shone in a relief role during Boston’s 2021 playoff run, a versatility that could come in handy if Atlanta needs to reshuffle its staff in October.
At $20 million per year, Pivetta’s contract reflects Atlanta’s willingness to invest in proven talent to complement their homegrown stars. The deal is backloaded, providing flexibility for the Braves in the short term, but it raises questions about payroll allocation as key players like Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña Jr. inch closer to free agency.
Additionally, the forfeiture of a draft pick and international bonus money could hinder the Braves’ ability to replenish their farm system, which has already thinned out in recent years due to trades and promotions.
The reaction from Braves fans has been polarizing. Some have praised the team for their commitment to winning now, while others worry about the long-term ramifications of the move.
“Pivetta’s a solid addition, but did we really need to give up a pick for him?” one fan wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, analysts have pointed out that this move reflects a broader trend in MLB, where teams prioritize proven players over uncertain prospects in the draft.
Former MLB executive Jim Bowden weighed in on the deal during a segment on MLB Network:
“It’s a risky move, no doubt, but the Braves are betting on their ability to develop Pivetta into a more consistent pitcher. If he gives them 180 innings with a sub-4 ERA, this deal will look like a bargain.”
With the signing of Pivetta, the Braves have effectively solidified their 2025 roster. Their rotation, bullpen, and lineup are all poised to compete at the highest level, and this aggressive move sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Atlanta is all-in on another World Series run.
The pressure is now on Pivetta to justify the Braves’ faith in him. If he delivers as a dependable starter and postseason weapon, this deal could become a masterstroke. However, if his struggles with consistency resurface, critics will undoubtedly point to the lost draft pick as a steep price to pay.
For now, the Braves’ fans will have to wait and see if Pivetta can rise to the occasion. Is he the missing piece to Atlanta’s championship puzzle, or will this gamble backfire? Only time will tell.
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