Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Texas Rangers Linked to White Sox Pitcher in Potential Trade
The Texas Rangers are one of several teams connected to Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, according to the New York Post.
With the White Sox now 38-54 as the season is set to resume on Friday, the White Sox may be looking to offload some of its starting or relief pitching in an effort to begin building for 2024.
Giolito falls into that category because he will be a free agent at the end of the season and the White Sox would have to fight to re-sign him. It might be easier to deal Giolito and get something in return for him.
The Rangers are also reportedly interested in trading for Giolito teammate and former Texas starter Lance Lynn.
The Post reported that Giolito could be among a set of free-agent pitchers the White Sox could make available. Along with the Rangers, he could draw interest from the Cincinnati Reds — who have surged in the last month — and Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Rangers have already made one trade for pitching this season. In June, the Rangers dealt for Kansas City Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman, giving up starter Cole Ragans and a minor-league outfielder. Chapman is also a free agent after this season.
Giolito might require more capital.
The former All-Star has a 3.45 ERA with 117 strikeouts and 34 walks in 112 1/3 innings. He’s allowed a .223 batting average and a 1.14 WHIP in 19 starts.
Starting pitching would seem to be a secondary need for the Rangers, as Nathan Eovaldi, Dane Dunning and Jon Gray have provided quality, consistent performances in the first half. Eovaldi just pitched in the All-Star Game.
However, the back end of the rotation could use help. Dunning is a starter because Jacob deGrom is out for the season. The staff’s two left-handers — Andrew Heaney and Martín Pérez — have been inconsistent, especially in the last month. The only other starter is another left-hander, Cody Bradford, who just won his first MLB game last week.
The trade deadline is Aug. 1.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
