Manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox
The MLB offseason is off to an electric start, headlined by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series triumph, Jorge Soler’s surprising move to the Los Angeles Angels, and the Boston Red Sox making waves in the pitching department. The Red Sox are already showing urgency by solidifying their rotation, and Thursday brought an announcement that could have ripple effects throughout the league: Lucas Giolito has exercised his player option for 2025, guaranteeing him a $19.25 million payday and, in turn, bolstering Boston’s pitching depth.
Giolito’s decision comes as no shock to the Red Sox, but it’s certainly welcome. After an unfortunate injury during spring training last year that led to an internal bracing procedure and sidelined him for the entire season, Giolito is now poised to return healthy and provide the high-end, stabilizing presence Boston’s rotation so desperately needs. His return could also have a noteworthy impact on the free-agent market, where Boston is expected to be active.
Slotting Giolito in the middle of the rotation brings a boost to a team that struggled with consistency on the mound last season. The Red Sox will be looking for him to regain his 2021 form, when he sported a 3.53 ERA across 31 starts. If he can perform anywhere near that level, Boston’s pitching staff could be in a much better place.
One storyline capturing extra attention is Giolito’s friendship with high school teammates Max Fried and Jack Flaherty. Fried, fresh off a World Series title with the Dodgers, and Flaherty, both set to become unrestricted free agents, have been rumored to have Boston on their radar. Giolito’s presence could make Boston an even more attractive destination for his former teammates, especially for Fried, whose talent and consistency would provide a significant lift.
Boston’s early offseason moves are signaling a commitment to addressing last season’s vulnerabilities, especially with the arms on the mound. Red Sox fans can stay optimistic as the front office sets the stage for a potential rebuild in the rotation—one that could return the team to serious postseason contention. With the free agent market heating up, Giolito’s commitment might just be the beginning of a transformative offseason in Boston.
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