Nick Pivetta 2024 Player Outlook: Strong 2023 Finish Plus Low 2024 ADP Equals Value
3 months agoAfter being removed from the rotation in May last season, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nick Pivetta was relegated to the bullpen. With a change in approach, however, his results improved. Once back into the rotation full-time in September, the righty posted a 2.37 ERA, 2.73 FIP, 0.82 WHIP, .187 OBA, and a 38:5 K:BB across five starts (30 1/3 IP). The former fourth-round pick has always had a strong strikeout profile but has struggled with command (career 25.5% K%, 9.0% BB%). Managers shouldn't expect his 4.3% BB% over his final five starts to stick, but it's possible he will not regress to his career 9.0% BB%. His strong SwStr% of 13.1% in 2023 put him right behind the likes of Zack Wheeler and Max Scherzer, while his Contact% of 73.3% was better than both. ATC projections for 2024 don't foresee him maintaining his end-of-season success, with the 31-year-old going 10-9 with a 4.22 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 18.6% K-BB%, with 175 K in 154 IP. RotoBaller ranks him at 193 overall, just behind his NFBC ADP of 189. Nevertheless, if he does find a way to ride his 2023 momentum into 2024, then he could be a value at the end of drafts.