Red Sox Set Starter Lucas Giolito Free Into Open Market
The decision deadline for the Boston Red Sox aligned with the official start of free agency in Major League Baseball. This timing confirmed a clear opening in the upper half of their starting rotation.
Right-hander Lucas Giolito officially entered free agency on Thursday afternoon, as the Red Sox chose not to extend him a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million, according to a league source. This move sends Giolito into the market without the restrictions typically linked to a qualifying offer.
“The deadline for the team’s decision was 5 p.m. Thursday, coinciding with the official opening of MLB free agency.”
Implications for the Red Sox Rotation
Boston now faces a vacancy in the top half of its rotation. With Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello secured, the club has at least one slot open for a potential offseason addition and one or two for internal candidates of varying skill and experience.
What It Means for Giolito
For Giolito, this decision means a fresh chance in free agency—this time unburdened by penalties that often deter teams from signing players with qualifying offers. Those penalties typically include the loss of a draft pick and a decrease in bonus pool money, both of which can suppress a player’s market value.
Following an impressive return from major elbow surgery that cost him the 2024 season, Giolito, now 31, posted a 3.41 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 26 starts in 2025, showing particularly strong form from June onward. His performance positions him well for a multi-year contract.
Author’s summary: The Red Sox declined a qualifying offer for Lucas Giolito, allowing the pitcher to enter free agency without restrictions after a strong comeback season.