Market For Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Heats Up: ‘Difference-Maker’ In Demand

Former Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito knows it’s getting late early. The 31-year-old remains a free agent with spring training a couple of weeks away.

But according to the Hot Stove rumor mill, the former All-Star could be close to signing on the dotted line.

“(The) Tigers are one of many teams showing interest in free agent starter Lucas Giolito. If he goes there, he’d join his HS teammate Jack Flaherty on a strong staff,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports.

“Giolito successfully returned from elbow surgery (internal brace) last season with Boston, although he was extremely inconsistent,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reports. “He will be another year removed from surgery and threw 145 innings last season, which should give him a better chance to rebound in 2026.

“He’s a medical risk but does have upside and would be a good gamble for someone,” Bowden added. “The teams that have been connected with him this offseason include the Diamondbacks, Red Sox and Tigers.”

In analyzing the market for Giolito, WEEI’s Rob Bradford compared the right-hander to Edward Cabrera, who the Miami Marlins traded earlier this month to the Chicago Cubs for a haul of prospects.

“Lucas Giolito: 19 of 26 starts allowed 3 ER or fewer. Edward Cabrera: 20 of 26 starts allowed 3 ER or fewer,” Bradford tweeted.

“Reminder: Giolito can be a difference-maker for a team looking to put their starting pitching group in a different conversation,” Bradford added.

Giolito declined the player side of his mutual option after the 2025 season. Boston and the starting pitcher both would have needed to agree to exercise the $19 million option for 2026.

In addition, the Red Sox opted not to extend the one-year qualifying offer to Giolito in November.

Giolito signed with the Red Sox ahead of the 2024 season but ended up missing the year while recovering from elbow surgery.

Before joining Boston, Giolito previously pitched for the Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians.

He was an All-Star in Chicago and finished in the top 11 for Cy Young Award voting three times.