You can add more names to the growing free agent market. Nick Pivetta is now a free agent after two seasons with the Padres, while Luis Robert Jr., who spent 2026 between the Mets and Orioles, will go to market for the first time in his MLB career.

Pivetta going to market

Nick Pivetta‘s $14MM club option was not picked by the Padres, adding another high-profile pitcher to free agency.

Pivetta turned into the Padres’ top starter in 2025, months after the club signed him to a two-year deal with a team and player option for 2027 and 2028, respectively. He struck out 190 over 181.2 IP that season, thriving in San Diego despite a lot of well-hit contact.

But in 2026, Pivetta only made eight regular-season starts thanks to an elbow injury sustained in April. When healthy, Pivetta pitched very well with 42 strikeouts over 34 innings, plus a 2.86 ERA.

The Padres will keep three other pitchers. Kyle Hart‘s $2.5MM team option will be picked. Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta picked up their player options for 2027 (h/t SD Union-Tribune).

Orioles cut Robert Jr. loose

On the 31st, Jose Barrero, Albert Suarez, and Luis Robert Jr. of the Orioles went to free agency.

The big one was Robert Jr., whose club option for 2027 was declined. Baltimore acquired Robert Jr. before the postseason roster deadline on August 31, as he was claimed off waivers by the Mets. He hit one home run and two extra-base hits in three games with the O’s before a hamstring injury ended his season.

Additionally, pitchers Codi Heuer and Colin Selby were outrighted to Triple-A.

Other notes

Emilio Pagan, Eugenio Suarez, and Pierce Johnson all hit the free agent market on October 31.

The Rangers selected Aidan Curry from Double-A Frisco. We noted in July and September that Curry, one of the top swing-and-miss pitchers in Double-A this season, was an obvious Rule 5 candidate.

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