As the July 31 trade deadline comes close, the Boston Red Sox face tough choices with a 42-44 record and fading playoff hopes. With the speculations of a potential sell-off rising, starting pitcher Lucas Giolito has shared his plea to not be separated from the team he loves. After a rough 2023 that saw him traded twice, Giolito is fighting to stay where he is.
Lucas Giolito’s Plea Amid the Fading Red Sox Season Hopes
Speaking to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo, the 30-year-old reflected on the chaotic year of 2023, when he was traded twice. “It was crazy,” he said. “I had been in Chicago for so long that I didn’t realize the impact it would have on me getting traded.” His performance dipped, posting a 6.89 ERA with the Angels and 7.04 with the Guardians.
Now, with the Red Sox at 42-44 and fourth in the American League East after losing seven of their last nine games, the team faces pressure to sell by July 31. However, Giolito doesn’t want to leave just yet: “I don’t want to be traded. I really love it here. I want to help this team win games to the end. I’m really pulling for us here.”
Lucas Giolito on the upcoming trade deadline:
“I don’t want to be traded. I really love it here. I want to help this team win games to the end. I’m really pulling for us here.”
(via @ChrisCotillo) pic.twitter.com/EbUokhJnsI
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 2, 2025
This season, Giolito has been a bright spot. After missing 2024 due to an elbow injury, he’s gone 4-1 in 11 starts, with a 3.99 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts over 58.2 innings. His recent form is even more impressive, allowing just two earned runs in 25 innings across four June starts. This resurgence is similar to his 2019-2021 peak with the White Sox, where he went 29-21 with a 3.41 ERA and earned Cy Young votes.
Lucas Giolito’s Road to Redemption
Giolito’s journey hasn’t been smooth. His 2023 struggles, following a strong start with the White Sox, affected Giolito’s morale. His form was further tested due to personal challenges, including a divorce, which made it hard for him to give all of his focus to his game.
“Being in a new place and having to quickly try and develop new relationships and all that kind of stuff. It wasn’t that difficult, but my performance suffered, for sure,” he admitted.
After signing a $38.5 million deal with Boston, an elbow injury and a hamstring strain delayed his 2025 debut. Early inconsistency also played a part in his struggle to regain his confidence. “You can start to think, ‘Am I going to get kicked out of the rotation?’” he said. Yet, with coaching tweaks and biomechanical adjustments, he’s turned it around.
His contract features a $14 million club option for 2026 (or a $19 million mutual option if he pitches 140 innings this year), which means he’s not a free agent. With 58.2 innings logged, reaching that mark requires averaging six innings per start over 74 games, a tall order but possible if he maintains this pace.
Giolito’s plea could sway the Red Sox’s decision. His resurgence makes him a trade target, but his desire to stay and stabilize the rotation alongside Garrett Crochet might convince Boston to hold. If he hits 140 innings, his future in Boston could be secured and extended.