Lucas Giolito: A Trade Deadline Target and the Quest for a Fresh Start
Amidst a disappointing season, the Chicago White Sox found themselves embarking on a rebuild, and Lucas Giolito became a highly sought-after commodity at the 2023 trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as one of the teams linked to Giolito, but it was the Los Angeles Angels who ultimately secured the trade, acquiring the talented pitcher in exchange for top prospects Ky Bush and Edgar Quero. Chicago also included Reynaldo López in the deal.
For the Angels, this aggressive move was seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Shohei Ohtani, who was set to enter free agency. However, the Angels’ season took a downturn, resulting in Giolito, along with Matt Moore, López, Hunter Renfroe, Randal Grichuk, and Dominic Leone, being placed on waivers.
Giolito concluded the 2023 season with the Cleveland Guardians and is now a free agent. As the 29-year-old contemplates his future, he expresses a desire to reunite with Ohtani, stating, “That would be really cool.”
It is worth noting that Giolito made this statement before Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers addressed their starting rotation by acquiring Tyler Glasnow and reaching an agreement with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but they are still seeking additional pitching depth. Giolito has been linked to the Dodgers as they continue their search for quality starting pitchers.
Although Giolito’s performance dipped in the 2023 season, resulting in a combined 4.88 ERA, he remains a candidate for a rebound due to his ace-like performance from 2019 to 2021. During that period, he made 72 starts and struck out an impressive 30.7% of batters faced.
However, Giolito’s struggles began in the 2022 season, making it challenging to predict the type of contract he may receive.
It’s worth mentioning that Giolito attended Harvard-Westlake High School.
Rumors have circulated about other teams showing interest in Giolito, including the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Kansas City Royals.
Returning to the Dodgers would be a homecoming of sorts for Giolito, who hails from Burbank, California.