Free agent starter Lucas Giolito has reportedly signed with the Boston Red Sox. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is for two years and $38.5 million, and includes an opt-out after the 2024 season.
BREAKING: Right-hander Lucas Giolito and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $38.5 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN.
Boston lands its first big signing of the winter. The question now is: Will there be more?
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 29, 2023
Lucas Giolito Signs with Red Sox
Before this signing, the Red Sox had a quiet offseason. However, bringing in Giolito could be a precursor to Boston pursuing other free agents or seeking a big trade. While the 29-year-old righty has had some success in the majors, including an All-Star appearance in 2019 and a no-hitter in 2020, he hasn’t been as sharp the last two seasons. In 2022 with the Chicago White Sox, he pitched to a 4.90 ERA in 184 1/3 innings. Last season, he split time among three different teams, compiling a 4.88 ERA and serving up a league-leading 41 homers. After finishing the season with the Cleveland Guardians, he became a free agent. The Red Sox likely factored in Giolito’s recent struggles while hashing out the terms of his contract. The opt-out gives both parties a chance to move on if the signing doesn’t pan out.
Giolito, regardless of his recent performance, offers Boston two qualities they sorely lacked in their rotation last season. He is an innings eater and can strike out batters in bunches. Over his eight major league seasons, Giolito has amassed 1,077 strikeouts in 1,013 2/3 innings pitched. The Red Sox will hope he becomes a steady force in their rotation. He will likely slot in as the number two starter behind Chris Sale, unless Boston signs or trades for an even bigger name before Opening Day.
The talent and the stuff is there for Giolito. At his peak with the White Sox, he garnered back-to-back top 10 finishes in Cy Young voting (6th in 2019, 7th in 2020). If he can regain that form, the Red Sox will have a formidable one-two punch at the top of their rotation (that is, if everyone stays healthy). The relatively large payday for a short-term deal shows Boston has a great deal of faith in Giolito.
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