Cubs Interested in Former All-Star Pitcher

Chicago looking to bolster rotation after multiple injuries

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:25pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted tones of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the intricate and multifaceted nature of the Cubs' search for pitching reinforcements.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion highlights the complex, multi-faceted nature of the Cubs' search for rotation help.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly showing interest in free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, a former All-Star who spent the last seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs have dealt with several injuries to their starting rotation, including the loss of right-hander Cade Horton for the season after elbow surgery. Giolito, 31, made 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox last season, posting a 3.41 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 145 innings.

Why it matters

The Cubs are looking to contend in the National League this season, but have been hit hard by injuries to key members of their starting rotation. Adding an experienced veteran like Giolito could provide a much-needed boost to their pitching staff and help them remain in the playoff hunt.

The details

According to a report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Cubs are one of two teams showing interest in signing Giolito, who is a free agent. The other team reportedly interested is the San Diego Padres. Giolito, a 2012 first-round draft pick, made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2016 before spending seven seasons as a frontline starter with the Chicago White Sox from 2017-23. He signed a two-year, $38.5 million deal with the Red Sox last offseason.

  • Giolito made 26 starts for the Red Sox in the 2023 season.
  • Cade Horton was lost for the season after requiring elbow surgery.

The players

Lucas Giolito

A 31-year-old free agent pitcher who spent the last seven seasons as a frontline starter for the Chicago White Sox.

Cade Horton

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was lost for the season after requiring elbow surgery.

Jed Hoyer

The president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“'There's still guys available, so you certainly have those conversations. But I do feel like we went into the season with some depth in the rotation. That was a goal. And some of those guys have pitched really well. So, I think you always have to look at external things. … We never stop that, but it's also not something that is top of mind. But, certainly, we're constantly looking for upgrades. I think you have to do that.'”

— Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations, Chicago Cubs

What’s next

The Cubs will continue to monitor the free agent market and evaluate whether to make an offer to Giolito to bolster their starting rotation.

The takeaway

The Cubs' interest in Giolito highlights the challenges they've faced with injuries to their pitching staff this season. Adding an experienced veteran like Giolito could provide a much-needed boost as they look to remain in the playoff hunt in the competitive National League.