Phillies Long-Time Starter Gets $32 Million Contract Update From New Team

BusinessSportsMoneyPhillies Long-Time Starter Gets $32 Million Contract Update From New TeamByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorAug 24, 2026, 06:30am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryThe Phillies' rotation is thriving, with rookie Andrew Painter delivering a dominant seven-inning, one-run start, solidifying his role as a key fifth starter. This transformation highlights the team's improved pitching since 2020. Meanwhile, former Phillies starter Nick Pivetta, now with the Padres, faces contract uncertainty. His 131-day injured list stint triggered a clause, granting San Diego flexibility to opt out of his remaining two years and $32 million. Pivetta, who found success after leaving Philadelphia's inconsistent tenure, now sees his career's up-and-down nature reflected in this latest injury setback and contract development, giving the Padres significant control over his future.Show More ATLANTA, GA JUNE 14: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Nick Pivetta (43) looks on from the dugout during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 14th, 2019 at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Phillies’ rotation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, emerging as one of the best units in all of baseball. In the latest positive development for the group, rookie Andrew Painter seized on the chance to become a key part of the rotation down the stretch in his latest start on Saturday, delivering seven innings of one-run baseball in a dominant win over the St. Louis Cardinals. “The 23-year-old right-hander continued to rise to the challenge Saturday night with the longest and best start of his y...