The San Diego Padres have once again pulled off an unexpected move, signing Nick Pivetta to a 4-year, $55 million deal. AJ Preller has established a reputation for making surprising, under-the-radar moves and Nick Pivetta fits the mold. Instead of chasing high-profile names, the GM has focused on cost-effective pitching depth, leaving analysts scratching their heads again.

Pivetta’s contract is backloaded, beginning at just $4 million in 2025 before escalating in later years. Such an approach highlights a strategic financial aspect. However, beyond the numbers, how does Nick Pivetta fit into the Padres rotation? What does this deal say related to Preller’s long-term aim?

Nick Pivetta’s contract

The financial structure of Nick Pivetta’s contract provides data related to Preller’s strategic approach. Bob Nightengale said, “the San Diego Padres finally strike. Sign starter Nick Pivetta to a 4-year, $55 million backloaded contract. He will earn $4 million in 2025, $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027 as well as $18 million in 2028 per Jeff Passan“. The backloaded nature of the deal highlights that the team is focusing on short-period payroll flexibility while betting on Nick Pivetta’s long-period value.

Beyond the contract, Piv’s arrival fills a vital need in the team’s rotation. After losing Blake Snell as well as Seth Lugo, the Padres were desperate for pitching depth. Nick Pivetta, who posted a 4.14 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 2024, brings upside and durability. While not a frontline ace, Piv is a veteran arm who can stabilize the team. His capability to eat innings takes force off Yu Darvish, specifically with Joe Musgrove sidelined, providing the Padres a cost-effective outcome in the rotation. With the Padres still in need of more vital pitching, such a move likely is not Preller’s final piece. But if history has taught us anything, he rarely adopts a conventional path.

AJ Preller’s unexpected moves

AJ Preller plays under-the-radar moves which catch the baseball world off guard. This is not the first time the GM has made a lowkey signing which turned out to be a vital instance. From stealing Fernando Tatis Jr. in a trade to flipping Juan Soto, he has always been a general manager who runs from outside old expectations. In addition, last offseason, few assumed he would completely reshape the roster by trading away stars as well as focusing on financial flexibility.

The Nick Pivetta signing fits this exact pattern. Instead of overpaying for a large-name pitcher, he opted for a cost-effective but reliable arm. This highlights a deliberate transformation in the Padres’ approach, aiming at depth as well as sustainable success instead of short-term star power. The Padres still need more pitching and this deal leaves the team with room to make further additions. Whether it is through another value signing or a surprise trade, history highlights that Preller is not done yet.

Could this be a setup for another unexpected move? With the way Preller runs, it would not be shocking if a bigger surprise is still to come.