Giolito Awaits Deal After 75-Pitch Sessions, Eyes MLB-Ready Arm

Lucas Giolito is throwing around 75 pitches per side session as he continues to train at Cressey Sports Performance in Florida. The veteran right-hander remains unsigned ahead of the 2025 season despite being ready to pitch at the MLB level. Giolito told The Baseball Isn't Boring podcast that he simply hasn't received a contract offer he considers fair based on his value and projections.

Giolito spent the 2024 season with the Red Sox before finishing on the injured list with flexor irritation. He has since stated he's fully healthy since November. In his interview with Rob Bradford, Giolito emphasized that he wants to be paid close to what he's worth. "I just want to play for close to what my value is," he said. "Everyone uses projection and models. When you look at models and projections (for value), it’s like ‘alright cool, give me something that’s relatively close to that.’”

Giolito said the free agent process has been frustrating. “The last few months have been very strange. Talks seem like they’re heating up, then it’s like ‘ok never mind,'” he added. He’s been working out in Florida and is essentially in game shape, ready to pitch at a moment’s notice.

His situation is similar to Patrick Corbin, who signed with the Blue Jays after throwing around 80 pitches in side sessions. Corbin signed for a $1 million guarantee and made one start in Low-A before being recalled for his MLB debut. He pitched four innings and 85 pitches in his first game with Toronto.

Giolito is not interested in a similar low-value deal. He posted a 3.41 ERA across 145 innings for Boston in 2024. He believes recent injuries and struggles across the league could help his case for a deal. The Astros, A’s, Angels, Padres and Tigers are among the teams with early-season issues and potential need for pitching help.

Houston is a logical fit. The Astros are 6-7 despite leading the majors in runs scored. They’ve lost Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier to shoulder strains and have struggled with Tatsuya Imai. They’re using a six-man rotation and are about $12 million below the competitive balance tax threshold.

Giolito is waiting for a team to step forward with a deal that matches his value. He’s ready to pitch and could follow a similar path to Corbin if the right offer comes. The next move will likely come when one of the teams in need signs him to fill a rotation spot.