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Giolito Joins Padres After Long Free Agency Stint
22 Apr
Summary
- Lucas Giolito signed a one-year deal with the Padres.
- The pitcher joins a Padres team with a 16-7 record.
- Giolito will help the Padres' pitching rotation, which has injuries.
The San Diego Padres announced on Wednesday the signing of free-agent pitcher Lucas Giolito to a one-year agreement, including a mutual option for the 2027 season. This move concludes the search for one of the last remaining major free agents one month into the 2026 MLB season. Giolito, who received a projection of a three-year, $57 million deal, brings a career 4.30 ERA over 206 games to San Diego.
The 31-year-old posted a 3.41 ERA last season for the Boston Red Sox, joining a Padres team that currently leads the National League West with a 16-7 record. Giolito's addition addresses a critical need in San Diego's rotation due to injuries affecting Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, both sidelined indefinitely. Giolito, a Southern California native, previously signed with the Red Sox but missed the entire 2024 season after elbow surgery.
Following an injury-delayed start to his 2026 season, Giolito struggled early but made significant mechanical adjustments in June. This led to a remarkable turnaround, with a 2.51 ERA over his final 19 starts. Despite some late-season forearm tightness and missed starts, he was cleared medically. Giolito has been on a normal offseason throwing program since November.
