3 Teams That Could Benefit from Signing Lucas Giolito

The veteran right-hander remains unsigned despite a bounce-back 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:34pm

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Despite a solid 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito remains unsigned as the 2026 MLB season gets underway. Several teams dealing with pitching injuries could benefit from adding Giolito to their rotation, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves.

Why it matters

Giolito is an experienced starting pitcher who could provide a boost to contending teams dealing with injuries and inconsistency in their rotations. His signing could help these teams get back on track and make a push for the playoffs.

The details

The Blue Jays have been hit hard by injuries, with Max Scherzer, Jose Berrios, and Cody Ponce all sidelined. Giolito could step in and stabilize their rotation. The Astros have also been plagued by injuries to pitchers like Cody Bolton, Tatsuya Imai, Hunter Brown, and others, and they've fallen to the bottom of the AL West. Adding Giolito could help them bounce back. Meanwhile, the Braves have lost key starters like Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Strider, and Giolito could provide much-needed innings and consistency.

  • Giolito bounced back with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, going 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts.
  • The 2026 MLB season is currently underway, with many teams dealing with pitching injuries and inconsistency.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A veteran right-handed starting pitcher who remains unsigned despite a solid 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.

Max Scherzer

A veteran starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who has been dealing with tendinitis in his forearm.

Jose Berrios

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is currently sidelined.

Cody Ponce

A starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is out for the season after suffering a devastating knee injury.

Cody Bolton

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who left a recent game with mid-back tightness.

Tatsuya Imai

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is dealing with arm troubles.

Hunter Brown

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently sidelined.

Hayden Wesneski

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently sidelined.

Cristian Javier

A starting pitcher for the Houston Astros who is currently sidelined.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who went down with an elbow injury in spring training.

Hurston Waldrep

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who went down with an elbow injury in spring training.

Spencer Strider

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is out with an oblique strain.

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The takeaway

With several contending teams dealing with significant pitching injuries, the addition of veteran right-hander Lucas Giolito could provide a much-needed boost to their rotations. Giolito's experience and proven track record make him an attractive free agent option as teams look to solidify their pitching staffs and make a push for the playoffs.