Could it be that, despite seven years in Major League Baseball and 900 innings pitched, Nick Pivetta remains somewhat of an enigma? Sure, we know a few things about him—he’s Canadian, he’s comfortable around monkeys, and he’s not one to overthink things in the barber’s chair. But as a pitcher, his identity remains elusive.
There are essentially two possibilities to consider. The first, let’s call it Possibility A, suggests that Pivetta is what his career trajectory thus far has indicated: a durable but inconsistent pitcher who oscillates between moments of brilliance and bouts of mediocrity, leaving him stuck somewhere between effectiveness and insignificance.
Then, there’s Possibility B—a tantalizing notion that Pivetta is actually among the elite pitchers in the world. This idea gained traction after a notable turnaround in his performance last year. Despite being demoted from the starting rotation due to lackluster outings, Pivetta excelled in various pitching roles thereafter. His versatility and effectiveness were evident as he transitioned from a long reliever to an opener and eventually reclaimed his spot in the rotation, delivering stellar performances along the way.
Since May 22 of the previous year, Pivetta’s statistics have been impressive. He boasts one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball, with a stellar xFIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio to match. His ERA rivals that of some of the league’s top pitchers. Yet, skepticism lingers, given Pivetta’s history of promising stretches that ultimately fizzle out.
While some remain cautious about buying into Pivetta’s resurgence, others point to meaningful adjustments he made to his pitching repertoire following his demotion. Notably, he revamped his arsenal, relying less on ineffective pitches and introducing a devastating sweeper that has baffled opposing hitters.
The narrative surrounding Pivetta’s attitude also underwent a transformation. Initially criticized for his reaction to the demotion, Pivetta’s subsequent actions suggest a player committed to improvement. He embraced his new role in the bullpen, diligently worked on his craft, and ultimately seized the opportunity to prove himself.
Yet, it’s still premature to definitively label Pivetta as one of the game’s premier pitchers. While his recent success is undeniably encouraging, it represents only a fraction of his career innings. Nonetheless, if Pivetta’s resurgence is indeed genuine, it could have profound implications for the Red Sox and their postseason aspirations, transforming skepticism into optimism and redefining the trajectory of their season.
