Reports: Red Sox agree with RHP Lucas Giolito on 2-year, $38.5M deal

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th December, 18:20 2023

Sep 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. credits: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Veteran right-handed starting pitcher Lucas Giolito agreed to a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox worth $38.5 million, several reports said Friday.

The contract contains an opt-out clause after the 2024 season, per reports.

Giolito, 29, became a free agent after spending time with three clubs during 2023. He made 21 starts for the Chicago White Sox, his longtime club, before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels.

After the Angels' playoff hopes tanked, they waived Giolito and he caught on with the Cleveland Guardians for the remainder of the season.

All told, Giolito went 8-15 with a 4.88 ERA in 33 starts last season. He allowed 41 home runs, the second-highest total in the majors, but struck out 204 batters over 184 1/3 innings.

Giolito was an All-Star in 2019 and received American League Cy Young Award votes in three straight seasons (2019-21). Across eight MLB seasons with the Washington Nationals (2016), White Sox (2017-23), Angels and Guardians, Giolito is 61-62 with a 4.43 ERA and 1,077 strikeouts over 1,013 2/3 innings of 180 appearances (178 starts).

While with the White Sox, Giolito tossed a no-hitter in 2020 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The signing gives Boston an experienced arm after the Red Sox relied heavily on youngsters Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford in their rotation last season.

—Field Level Media