Red Sox Sign Lucas Giolito

Red Sox Sign Lucas Giolito

Full throttle! The Red Sox have finally spent some money! We know that Craig Breslow had a job to do when taking over as the new Chief Baseball Officer in Boston. Boston needs pitching in the worst way and finally added an intriguing arm to their rotation. The Red Sox and Giolito have come to terms on a contract. The former White Sox, Angels, and Guardians starter is on his way to Boston. 

Jeff Passan at ESPN was the first to report the news of the deal.

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

Giolito, 29, will earn $18 million in 2024 with an additional $1 million opt-out. Giolito can opt out of his deal after just one year. If he doesn’t, the Sox are on the hook for $19 million in 2025. The positive for the club is that if Giolito opts out, it’s because he had a monster season. He’s also never received a qualifying offer so Boston could recoup a draft pick if the best case scenario does play out. 

The 2023 MLB Season was a tale of two halves for Giolito. Through his first 18 starts, Giolito posted a 3.50 ERA/4.13 FIP. He was a 6.72 ERA/6.79 FIP guy during the rest of the season through 15 starts. It’s worth noting that Giolito went through a divorce midseason and it likely didn’t help that he went from Chicago to Los Angeles to Cleveland within a matter of weeks.

Lucas Giolito Tosses a Gem in Playoff Debut for the Chicago White Sox

Passan also mentions the Mets have big interest here. The fact that Boston shielded off the fighting Steve Cohen’s to land Giolito should be viewed as a win. Especially given the fact that Giolito picked Boston over New York. 

Up until now, Boston has only spent $1 million for Cooper Criswell. Boston is still way under the luxury tax with money to spend. I don’t think they’re done. Maybe that’s Teoscar Hernandez (something Jiarmani recently covered). The Sox need another starter too to fill out that rotation.

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