Red Sox Sign Former Guardians Starter, Per Report
A former 2023 Cleveland Guardians starter is headed to the American League East.
Lucas Giolito reportedly agreed to a two-year, $38.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. The deal also includes an opt-out after the first season.
This signing comes days after a report indicated that the New York Mets were heavily interested in signing Giolito. Instead, he opted to go with another organization that was seeking more starting pitching. Boston had a starter ERA of 4.68 which was in the bottom 10 of MLB and the hope is that Giolito can help fix this.
The Red Sox are taking a massive risk with this signing.
Gilito has historically been a strong pitcher and was an All-Star with the Chicago White Sox. However, he's looking to bounce back after a dreadful 2023 season which he finished with a 4.88 ERA and a 1.223 WHIP.
Sep 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) reacts after striking out Texas Rangers right fielder Robbie Grossman (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Guardians picked up Giolito off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels to help the injury-riddled rotation. His ERA with Cleveland was 7.04 in six starts.
As of now, Cleveland will head into 2024 with a rotation of Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, and Logan Allen. There was no reason to bring Giolito back with these strong five pitchers.
To Giolito's credit, he did pitch pretty well in the first half of the season before he was traded to the Angels at the deadline. He made 21 starts with the White Sox and had a 4.88 ERA.
Gilito may no longer be an ace of a rotation. But he certainly can still be a valuable second or third option for a team desperate for more depth like the Red Sox were before this signing.
