Former Red Sox Pitcher Projected To Sign Soon With Contender

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito is running out of time to pick a new ballclub before spring training begins just days from now.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports there’s a good chance Giolito ends up staying in the American League East by signing with the Orioles. Baltimore is desperate for a quality arm after whiffing on Framber Valdez, who signed a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

“They seem determined to add another frontline pitcher, and with Framber Valdez gone to the Tigers, Zac Gallen could top their list, followed by Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt and others,” Heyman wrties.

“They’d been in the mix for Valdez for nearly three months now in a failed dance reminiscent of Toronto’s ultimately unsuccessful tango with Kyle Tucker,” Heyman adds. “The Orioles, already one of the biggest winter winners with Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge all coming, clearly aren’t done.”

However Giolito appears to have at least one other option on the table: the Atlanta Braves.

“Valdez was out of their price range after their active and productive winter, but Giolito and Bassitt could be possibilities,” Heyman notes.

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

He enjoyed a bounce-back season last year, going 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts.

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.

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.