Padres Decline Options on Pivetta, Giolito, and Canning

San Diego Cuts Ties With Pitching Trio

The San Diego Padres made several contract decisions on Sunday, turning down options on three right handed pitchers. Nick Pivetta had his 14 million dollar option for 2027 declined, which ends his run with the team after two years and 23 million dollars. That makes the 33 year old eligible for free agency.

Pivetta signed a four year deal worth 55 million dollars in February 2025. He went 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA across 31 starts in his first year, but missed significant time this season with right elbow inflammation. He spent over 130 consecutive days on the injured list, which turned his 2027 salary into a club option. Pivetta returned to post a 3-2 record and a 2.86 ERA in eight regular season games before making two postseason starts.

San Diego also turned down an 8 million dollar mutual option on 32 year old Lucas Giolito. He will receive a 1.5 million dollar buyout instead. Giolito, who was an All Star with the Chicago White Sox in 2019, went 2-3 with a 5.16 ERA in seven games this year. Right elbow inflammation sidelined him for good after June 21.

Griffin Canning saw his 5 million dollar mutual option declined as well. The 30 year old gets a 1.8 million dollar buyout after posting a 5-9 record and a 5.68 ERA in 30 total games. He made his season debut on May 3 following left Achilles surgery.

Relief Pitchers Stay With the Team

While the Padres let several pitchers walk, they kept left hander Kyle Hart by picking up his 2.5 million dollar option. The team chose to pay that salary instead of giving the 33 year old a 200,000 dollar buyout. Hart went 1-3 with a 4.92 ERA across 46 total appearances this season.

Wandy Peralta also remains under contract after exercising his 4.45 million dollar player option for next season. The 35 year old left hander went 3-3 with a 3.61 ERA over 65 relief outings, working a career high 77 1/3 innings.

Reliever Yuki Matsui chose not to opt out of his five year, 28 million dollar contract. The 31 year old right hander went 5-1 with a 1.83 ERA in 54 appearances. He struck out 68 batters and walked 36 in 64 innings.

Andujar Rejects Option for Free Agency

Infielder Miguel Andujar decided to decline his 8 million dollar mutual option. He will get a 2.9 million dollar buyout from San Diego. The 31 year old served mainly as a designated hitter, batting .259 with five home runs and 22 RBI in 74 games.

Andujar missed the end of the regular season after breaking his right hand when hit by a pitch from Kansas City reliever Lucas Erceg on July 19. He returned for the postseason, going 0 for 3 with one walk in four games.