The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move to bolster their pitching staff, reportedly agreeing to a two-year contract with free agent starter Lucas Giolito. While Giolito may not be the biggest name on the market, the Red Sox are hoping to capitalize on his potential and add stability to their rotation for the upcoming season.

Giolito's performance in 2023 was less than stellar, posting an 8-15 record with a 4.88 ERA and a 1.313 WHIP. He struggled with allowing home runs, surrendering 41 long balls throughout the season. However, Boston is looking beyond his recent struggles and focusing on his past success.

In 2019, Giolito was an All-Star for the Chicago White Sox, recording a 3.41 ERA, a 3.43 FIP, and a 1.064 WHIP. He finished sixth in the American League Cy Young Award voting that year, signaling his potential to be a top-tier pitcher. Over the course of the 2019-2021 seasons, Giolito ranked seventh among qualified MLB starters in fWAR and had a strikeout percentage of 30.7%.

The Red Sox are banking on Giolito's age (29 years old), durability, and intact skills to help him bounce back from his recent struggles. The team has reportedly signed him to a two-year deal worth $38.5 million, with an opt-out after the first season. This contract structure allows Giolito to test free agency again next offseason if he performs well in 2024.

Furthermore, the Red Sox did not have to surrender draft-pick compensation to sign Giolito, as he was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer due to being traded midseason. This gives the team flexibility in the event that they decide to trade Giolito for assets before the trade deadline, should the need arise.

While the signing of Giolito may not generate the same level of excitement as acquiring big-name players like Shohei Ohtani or Blake Snell, it represents a reasonable gamble for the Red Sox. They are buying low on a pitcher with a solid track record outside of a challenging year, in the hopes that Giolito will regain his previous form and provide stability and a spark to the rotation in 2024.

Title: Boston Red Sox Bolster Pitching Staff with Two-Year Deal for Lucas Giolito