The Red Sox have reportedly secured starting pitcher Lucas Giolito for the upcoming season. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Boston has signed the right-hander to a two-year contract worth $38.5 million. While not the top-tier starter fans were hoping for, the move is a step forward for the team.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and the Red Sox are optimistic that Giolito can bounce back from a challenging 2023 season, during which he pitched for three different teams and posted a 4.88 ERA, leading the American League in homers allowed with 41.
Despite his struggles, Giolito demonstrated durability by starting 33 games across his three stops and pitching a career-high 184.1 innings. He has been a consistent workhorse, averaging 175 innings over the last three years, a notable asset for the Red Sox.
Giolito had a solid performance with the White Sox in 2023, boasting a 3.79 ERA in 121 innings. However, his numbers declined significantly after being traded to the Angels, with a 6.89 ERA in six starts and a 7.04 ERA in six starts with the Guardians after being claimed off waivers.
The former Nationals pitcher had a standout season in 2019, earning an All-Star nod and finishing with a 14-9 record and a 3.41 ERA. While he received Cy Young votes in 2020 and 2021, the 2022 season saw a dip in performance with a 4.90 ERA and an 8-15 record across three teams.
Despite the hefty annual salary for a mid-rotation pitcher, the deal includes an opt-out after the first season, essentially making it a one-year pact with a player option for Giolito. The Red Sox, still in need of another arm for the rotation, are hopeful that the change of scenery and guidance from new pitching coach Andrew Bailey will help Giolito rediscover his form.
