The Boston Red Sox's rotation is officially down a pitcher after both sides declined the mutual option on Lucas Giolito's contract, per reporting from multiple sources.
Mutual options are rarely activated, as both the player and their club have to agree on contract value for the upcoming year. The mutual option on Giolito's deal was for an extra season at $19 million, and the righty seemingly believes he increased his value beyond that figure. Boston can still extend the qualifying offer to Giolito, which is a $22.05 million deal for 2026. If the righty declines, the Red Sox will be given a compensatory MLB Draft pick.
The Red Sox signed Giolito to a two-year deal with a vesting option for a third before the 2024 season. The veteran underwent the internal brace procedure during spring training 2024 and spent the entire year recovering. If he pitched fewer than 140 innings in 2025, Boston would've had control of him for $14 million. He surpassed that threshold by five innings.
Giolito rebounded well in his first season back in action. He posted a 3.41 ERA, 121 strikeouts and 56 walks over 145 innings with Boston. He served as a reliable No. 2 or 3 starter behind Garrett Crochet after his rough first month with the Sox, and he could fetch a nice contract on the free agent market.
Lucas Giolito, Red Sox decline mutual option to keep the righty in Boston for another season
Boston will have more starting rotation depth in 2026 than it's had in recent memory, even without Giolito in the mix. Crochet, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins will be candidates for rotation spots duing spring training. Top prospects Connelly Early, Payton Tolle and David Sandlin could also need roles, depending on their performances.
The Red Sox could also seek to improve Giolito's former rotation spot this offseason. Reporters and fans have called for Boston to sign or trade for a clear No. 2 starter to pick up some slack in the rotation behind Crochet, and Giolito doesn't fit that mold. His low strikeout percentage, 5.05 xERA and .274 xBA in 2025 point to regression in the future.
Giolito posted a strong rebound season with the Red Sox, but they're right to want to find an upgrade for their rotation. Giolito should have no problem finding a suitor on the free agent market given his 2025 campaign and his previous Cy Young-caliber pedigree.