Blue Jays, Braves Top List of 4 Best Fits for Lucas Giolito

The former All-Star is still available in free agency despite a solid 2025 season with the Red Sox.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant blues, reds, and yellows, capturing the motion and energy of a baseball pitcher's delivery.Giolito's unorthodox pitching motion could be deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, reflecting the unique angles and perspectives of the game.Atlanta Today

Lucas Giolito, a 31-year-old former All-Star, is still a free agent despite posting a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox in 2025. The Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and Oakland Athletics are identified as the four best fits for Giolito, who could provide a veteran presence and trade value for teams in need of pitching help.

Why it matters

Giolito's availability is surprising given his recent success and the need for quality starting pitching across the league. Teams looking to contend or rebuild could benefit from adding the experienced right-hander to their rotation.

The details

Giolito, who spent the majority of his career with the Chicago White Sox, had his best season in years with the Red Sox in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA - tied for the lowest mark of his career in a season with more than seven appearances. However, the Red Sox opted to upgrade their rotation by signing Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez, and have two elite pitching prospects in Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. The Blue Jays, Braves, White Sox, and Athletics are all in need of pitching help, with several key starters on the injured list, and could benefit from adding Giolito to their rotation.

  • Giolito posted a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox in the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 MLB regular season is just over one week old.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old former All-Star pitcher who is still a free agent despite a solid 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.

Garrett Crochet

The Red Sox's No. 1 starter in 2025.

Brayan Bello

The Red Sox's No. 2 starter in 2025.

Sonny Gray

A pitcher the Red Sox signed in the offseason to upgrade their rotation.

Ranger Suárez

Another pitcher the Red Sox signed in the offseason to upgrade their rotation.

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The takeaway

Giolito's availability is a surprise given his recent success, and several contending teams in need of pitching help could benefit from adding the veteran right-hander to their rotation. His experience and trade value make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff.