Padres Reportedly Ideal Fit for All-Star Pitcher Giolito

San Diego could sign the former Red Sox hurler to bolster their rotation after injuries and free agent losses.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Diego Padres are reportedly an "ideal fit" to sign free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, a former All-Star who spent last season with the Boston Red Sox. The Padres have experienced significant injuries and losses in their starting rotation, and adding Giolito could provide a boost as they aim to remain in the National League pennant race.

Why it matters

The Padres have had a chaotic offseason with their starting rotation, losing key pitchers like Dylan Cease and Yu Darvish. Signing Giolito, one of the top remaining free agent starters, could help stabilize their staff and keep them competitive in the NL West.

The details

After missing the entire 2024 season, Giolito returned in 2025 and posted a 3.41 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 26 starts for the Red Sox, though he missed the postseason with a late-season elbow injury. The Padres have experienced significant rotation turnover, with Joe Musgrove missing 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, Michael King missing substantial time with a shoulder injury, and the team finishing 16th in ERA and tied for 14th in WHIP in 2025.

  • Giolito missed the entire 2024 season.
  • In 2025, Giolito posted a 3.41 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 26 starts for the Red Sox, but missed the postseason with a late-season elbow injury.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who is one of the top remaining free agent starting pitchers after spending last season with the Boston Red Sox.

Nick Pivetta

A Padres starting pitcher who will be part of their 2026 rotation.

Michael King

A Padres starting pitcher who missed substantial time in 2025 due to a shoulder injury.

Joe Musgrove

A Padres starting pitcher who missed the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Dylan Cease

A former Padres starting pitcher who signed a $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency.

Yu Darvish

A Padres starting pitcher who will miss the 2026 season due to a UCL tear.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Padres will likely continue to monitor Giolito's contract situation and could look to sign him to a short-term deal to bolster their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Padres have experienced significant turnover and injuries in their starting rotation, making the addition of a proven veteran like Giolito an appealing option to help them remain competitive in the NL West.