The Boston Red Sox made a significant offseason acquisition by signing Lucas Giolito, aiming to bolster their starting rotation and provide the pitcher an opportunity to revive his career after two disappointing seasons. However, Giolito’s season may be over before he even takes the field in a Red Sox uniform.
Concerns arose when Giolito experienced soreness in his right elbow, leading the team’s medical staff to examine his throwing arm. Initial imaging revealed a partial tear in the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), potentially requiring season-ending surgery to address.
In December, the Red Sox signed Giolito to a lucrative two-year, $38.5 million contract. It now seems unlikely that they will benefit from his services for more than three months next season. Additionally, his contract includes an opt-out after the first year, leaving the possibility that he may choose to play elsewhere. However, given his recent struggles and the likelihood of missing an entire season, finding another team interested in his services could prove challenging.
As a result, the Red Sox may end up paying a hefty sum for Giolito to make only a handful of starts. This injury news leaves the team in a precarious position, especially considering their reliance on Giolito to anchor the rotation.
"Is there a more Red Sox thing to happen than this?!"
Felger & Mazz react to reports that Red Sox' pitcher Lucas Giolito will likely undergo Tommy John surgery pic.twitter.com/D63dHuB9t6
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) March 5, 2024
Fans may lament the front office’s decision to pursue Giolito over other options, such as Jordan Montgomery, who has also endured Tommy John surgery but offers a more proven track record of durability. Investing in established pitchers on longer contracts could have provided the team with more stability in the event of injuries.
Ultimately, the Red Sox find themselves in a difficult situation due to Giolito’s injury, highlighting the risks of prioritizing cost-effective solutions over long-term stability. The team now faces the challenge of finding an alternative plan to address their rotation needs amid a potentially lost season.
