Right-hander Lucas Giolito will join the Boston Red Sox on a two-year deal, sources confirmed to ESPN. The veteran’s $38.5 million contract could be pushed up to $40.5 million through innings-based performance bonuses.
The deal will see Giolito earn $18 million in his first season with the Red Sox and a $19 million salary in 2025. The contract also includes a $1 million buyout should he choose to opt out. There is also a $14 million club option for 2026 on condition that he throws under 140 innings in 2025, along with a $19 million mutual option if he throws over 140 innings that year, with a $1.5 million buyout.
At 29 years of age, Giolito enjoyed an illustrious albeit disruptive season in 2023, hitting a career-high 184⅓ innings. He started the year batting for the Chicago White Sox before spending stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Guardians. Over the past three seasons, Golito emerged as one of the best starters in baseball, posting ERAs of 3.41, 3.48, and 3.53.
