The source of the loud whoosh that blew into San Diego last week from Padres camp in Peoria, Ariz., was a robust sigh of relief from Padres

The San Diego Padres could be sticking with Michael King regardless of whether they sign free-agent starter Nick Pivetta. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, King "is far less likely to be dealt" than fellow right-hander Dylan Cease.

San Diego has inked free agent pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract with two opt-outs, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. BREAKING: Right-hander Nick Pivetta and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a four-year,

Right-hander Nick Pivetta has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres on a four-year, $55 million free-agent contract, reports ESPN. According to Jeff Passan, the deal includes opt-outs after the second and third years and is backloaded -- a $3 million signing bonus and just $1 million in salary for the upcoming season.

The San Diego Padres bought into the arms race in the National League West by signing right-hander Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal and adding free agent Kyle Hart.

Right-hander Nick Pivetta and the San Diego Padres finalized a four-year, $55 million contract, a backloaded deal that allows him to opt out after the 2026 and ’27 seasons. Pivetta gets a $3 million signing bonus and salaries of $1 million this year,

The San Diego Padres were relatively quiet all offseason when it came to adding to the roster until striking gold on Wednesday. San Diego reportedly agreed to a

PEORIA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 17: Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres works out on the field during the spring training workout at the Peoria Sports Complex on February 17, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

The question now becomes how the signing will impact the status of Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, a potential Mets trade target.

Pivetta, last in Boston, has accepted a backloaded $55 million contract with San Diego, the Associated Press and ESPN reported.