The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move to bolster their lineup, signing former Chicago White Sox All-Star starting pitcher Lucas Giolito to a two-year, $38.5 million contract ¹. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the first season, allowing Giolito to potentially test the free agent market again next winter ¹.
Giolito, 29, is one of the most polarizing starting pitchers in Major League Baseball, known for his high strikeout rate and ability to eat innings ¹. However, his inconsistent career has led to questions about his ability to perform at an elite level ¹. Despite this, Giolito has shown flashes of brilliance, earning an All-Star nod and three top-11 finishes in AL Cy Young voting from 2019 to 2021 ¹.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been vocal about his desire to add multiple starting pitchers to the team’s rotation, and the signing of Giolito marks a significant step in that direction ¹. The move is seen as a low-risk, high-reward gamble by the Red Sox, who are hoping that Giolito can regain his All-Star form and provide a boost to their rotation ¹.
In other news, the Red Sox have also been linked to premier slugger, with multiple reports suggesting that a deal could be imminent ¹. The team has been looking to add a power bat to their lineup, and the signing of a top slugger could be a significant coup for the Red Sox ¹.
The Red Sox have also made headlines recently with the signing of veteran former All-Star reliever Liam Hendriks ² ³. Hendriks, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox worth $10 million guaranteed, plus additional performance bonuses ³. The move is seen as a shrewd signing by the Red Sox, who are hoping that Hendriks can regain his All-Star form and provide a boost to their bullpen ³.
Overall, the Red Sox have been busy this offseason, making a number of moves to bolster their lineup and rotation. The signing of Giolito and Hendriks, combined with the potential addition of a premier slugger, could make the Red Sox a formidable force in the American League East ¹.
Here is a list of some of the top international signings made by the Boston Red Sox ⁴:
– Xander Bogaerts: Signed in 2009, Bogaerts is one of the best shortstops in the game today.
– Rafael Devers: Signed in 2013, Devers is a power-hitting third baseman.
– Yoán Moncada: Signed in 2015, Moncada was the key chip in a trade that brought Chris Sale to the Red Sox.
– Hanley Ramirez: Signed in 2000, Ramirez was a key member of the Red Sox’ 2007 World Series championship team.
– Daisuke Matsuzaka: Signed in 2006, Matsuzaka was a member of the Red Sox’ 2007 World Series championship team.
