Free Agency Update: Lucas Giolito’s Situation
Several prominent players are still in the free agent pool, including former All-Star Lucas Giolito.
The starting pitcher returned to the market after the Red Sox opted not to extend a qualifying offer this offseason. He now finds himself in a bit of a waiting game as we enter 2026.
“Last go-around, I was either signed or in talks to sign,” Giolito shared with host Rob Bradford on Monday’s episode of the Baseball Isn’t Boring Podcast.
“This time it’s crickets,” he added, reflecting on the quieter atmosphere in free agency.
At 31, Giolito is coming off a successful recovery season where he posted a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts. Unfortunately, he missed the postseason against the Yankees in Boston due to an elbow injury.
Initially, he attracted interest from the Mets before eventually joining the Red Sox. However, a significant surgery in 2024 kept him out of the entire season, forcing him to confront a frustrating period with his performance.
“Last free agency was particularly tough for me. I had a terrible few months, and I was stressed about it,” Giolito recalled. “My status went from being a $100 million-plus pitcher to facing two average seasons and a market that plummeted. What does the future hold?”
He expressed a more relaxed attitude this time around. “I trust my agent, and I know he’s great at what he does, so I just need to focus on my performance,” he remarked.
Giolito looks back fondly on his time with the Red Sox but recognizes that the team’s recent acquisitions of starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo likely eliminate the chance of a return.
“I loved my time there and would have liked to go back, but it seems they’re set with their rotation,” he stated. “That’s just how it goes in this business.”
Aside from Dylan Cease of the Blue Jays and Michael King with the Padres, the market for starting pitchers hasn’t gained much traction.
Giolito noted that the fates of fellow ex-All-Stars Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen might influence how the market unfolds. Additionally, the Japanese star Tatsuya Imai, who needs to be signed by January 2, is also on teams’ radar.
Other notable unsigned players include veterans Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt.
Giolito has intentions of connecting with teams that have clear postseason ambitions and hopes for a quicker deal than usual.
“There’s typically a push in January,” he explained. “That’s just the nature of baseball free agency. It tends to come in waves. I’ve seen players sign during spring training, and frankly, I hope that’s not me. Nobody wants to be in that position.”
Over his nine-season MLB career, Giolito has posted a record of 71-66 with a 4.30 ERA, playing for the Nationals, White Sox, Guardians, Angels, and Red Sox.
