Red Sox Free Agent Lucas Giolito Still Makes Sense For 3 Teams

Giolito remains unsigned despite a strong 2025 season with the Red Sox.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pitcher Lucas Giolito, who put up a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox, remains unsigned as of February 17, 2026. There are a few teams that could still make sense for the one-time All-Star, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, and Oakland Athletics.

Why it matters

Giolito is a talented pitcher who had a bounce-back season in 2025, but his free agent status this late in the offseason is unusual. Several teams with rotation uncertainty could benefit from adding Giolito to their staff.

The details

Some teams may be hesitant about Giolito due to his elevated FIP and fly ball rates, as well as the elbow pain he experienced at the end of the 2025 season. However, he is still seen as a reliable arm that could help fill rotation needs for teams like the Braves, Twins, and Athletics.

  • Giolito remains unsigned as of February 17, 2026.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old starting pitcher who put up a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season.

Hurston Waldrep

A pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season.

Pablo López

A starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who is reportedly dealing with a partially torn elbow and may miss the entire 2026 season.

Derek Falvey

The former president of baseball operations for the Minnesota Twins, who was fired in January 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

With several teams facing rotation uncertainty, Giolito's free agent status is surprising given his strong 2025 season. However, concerns about his underlying metrics and late-season elbow issues may be keeping some teams from pursuing him aggressively. The Braves, Twins, and Athletics could all benefit from adding Giolito to their staffs if the price is right.