...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The New York Yankees could end up signing Boston Red Sox free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, who had a resurgence in the 2025 season and stands out as one of the better names on the free agent market.
The Yankees are seeking a starting rotation upgrade and improvements to their bullpen as well, and they are expected to turn to free agency for quality arms with a good reputation.
More news: Astros Emerging as Potential Suitor for NL All-Star Outfielder
Read More on MLB
The pitchers market is headlined by players like Framber Valdez, Michael King, and Dylan Cease, all of whom are higher-end arms who can get outs through their stuff and command.
All three have a reason for teams to pause, especially if they ultimately require a long-term commitment. While New York will likely be interested in one of these pitchers, they may opt for shopping a tier down.
...
Lucas Giolito is a pitcher firmly in the second tier. He pitched 145 innings and put up a 3.41 ERA with a 4.17 FIP and 2.0 fWAR last season.
More news: Pirates GM Has 9-Word Message on Paul Skenes Trade Rumors
He ended the season early due to an elbow injury that prevented him from participating in the playoffs. The Red Sox were in the Wild Card round, and while it was short-lived, the pitcher's absence was notable. Considering his past injury history, it may raise some red flags about his availability.
Still, Bleacher Report MLB expert Tim Kelly expects him to get a two-year, $43 million deal with a team option in the second year, and the Yankees are the landing spot he has chosen.
"Two years is probably the ceiling Giolito will get in terms of guaranteed seasons. A return to Chicago—this time on the north side—could make sense, though the Cubs might shoot higher to open the winter," Kelly wrote.
"The Yankees—who have an ace in Max Fried, and hope Gerrit Cole will resemble one when he returns from Tommy John surgery—are looking more for a middle of the rotation arm.
"Jon Heyman of The New York Post has said the Yankees are fond of Giolito, so switching sides of the AL East rivalry might prove to be his best path this offseason."
More news: Dodgers World Series Hero Predicted to Land $6 Million Deal in Free Agency
The Yankees may end up pursuing a trade for a starting pitcher rather than using free agency money that could be better served on the bullpen.
Also, free agent Cody Bellinger is a priority for the organization to re-sign, according to reports, potentially limiting their appetite to pay Giolito. Still, he would certainly improve their rotation heading into another World Series-contending year.
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines