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Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Lucas Giolito

Dominic Gutierrez / MLB / July 20, 2023

Lucas Giolito Reynaldo Lopez — (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Lucas Giolito

The Chicago White Sox are in full-sell mode. Whether it turns into a rebuild or retool, there are many players for the team who are on expiring contracts. Lucas Giolito is one of them, and there’s a possibility we see the right-hander traded at the deadline.

The Numbers

Stats as of July 19, 2023: 6-6, 3.96 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 122 SO, 116 IP

Giolito was once the worst statistical pitcher in baseball. He was also once one of the best pitchers in baseball and has now found a middle ground. Along with his counterpart Dylan Cease, Giolito ranks in the top tenth in the AL in strikeouts. After adding a new slider last offseason, the 29-year-old is regaining his groove right before the trade deadline. As long as Giolito can keep the walks and home runs down, he should be an excellent middle-of-the-rotation piece for a contender.

Potential Destinations

The Astros really want Cease, but the price could be too high to bite. If that fails, the Astros could fall on Giolito as a cheaper backup option. The Dodgers are reportedly interested in the right-hander, but who aren’t they interested in?

The Rangers and Orioles, both back in the contention window, could make the push for a potential ace in their staff.

The Phillies are another team that could use the pitching to make their final push. The team currently ranks 13th in the majors for ERA, and currently doesn’t have a starter with an ERA under four.

Dark horse teams like the Diamondbacks could also make sense depending on the price, as they sit only a game and a half back of the Dodgers in the NL West.

The Verdict

I believe the Phillies make perfect sense for Giolito. If the Phillies want any chance of catching up to the Braves, they’re going to need more pitching. With the news of top prospect Andrew Painter being shut down, there are limited internal options for the Phillies. The price for Giolito won’t be huge, but the White Sox should be able to get 2-3 quality prospects for the soon-to-be free agent.