One former White Sox starting pitcher has found his new home.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, right-hander Luas Giolito will be shipping up to Boston on a two-year, $38.5 million contract with the Red Sox. The deal also includes an opt-out after the first season, allowing him to turn a solid 2024 campaign into a more lucrative deal.
Giolito, 29, is coming off another up-and-down season in which he bounced around between three different teams—the White Sox, Angels, and Guardians. Though his 3.79 ERA over 21 starts during the first half was enough to entice a trade, the former Chicago ace went on to perform as one of the worst pitchers in the league from there.
The 2019 All-Star would make just six starts with the Angels before his dismal performance led to him being placed on waivers, as Los Angeles dumped the remainder of his salary once falling out of contention. Over his final 12 appearances, six additional starts coming with the Guardians, he was lit up for a 6.96 ERA through 63.1 innings. During that stretch, he surrendered 21 homers and saw his walk rate climb. Gio finished the year with a combined 8-15 record, 4.88 ERA, 1.313 WHIP, and 2.79 K/BB in a career-high 184.1 innings pitched.
Over the previous three seasons, Giolito looked like one of the best starters in baseball, throwing at least 160 innings in each of the past five full seasons. The Red Sox will certainly be banking on his durability and hope for a return to his previous self that garnered Cy Young votes from 2019-21.
In terms of his upcoming salary, Giolito’s new deal will give him $18 million in 2024 along with a $1 million buyout if he decides to opt out after the season. If not, then his salary for 2025 is $19 million. There is also a conditional option that exists for 2026. If he throws under 140 innings in 2025, then the club option will be worth $14 million. If he throws over 140 innings, then that will turn into a $19 million mutual option with a $1.5 million buyout.
For a starting pitcher coming off back-to-back years with ERAs of 4.90 and 4.88, Giolito has to be happy with the opportunity ahead of him. Plus, the opt-out allows him to potentially cash in further during free agency at age 30.
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