The Texas Rangers are on the hunt for a new starting pitcher this offseason, as reported by Jeff Wilson from DLLS Sports. At present, the anticipated starting rotation for Texas in the upcoming year is set to feature right-handed pitchers Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker. By adding another starter through free agency, the Rangers can enhance their rotation's depth and introduce a seasoned veteran into their clubhouse dynamic.
With a variety of starting pitchers available on the free agent market, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has highlighted former Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito as a smart target for the Rangers.
At 31 years old, Giolito could serve as a valuable mid-rotation option for Texas. After sitting out the entire 2024 season to recover from a right elbow ulnar collateral ligament repair, he returned to make 26 starts with the Red Sox in 2025, where he achieved a solid 3.41 ERA and accumulated 121 strikeouts against 56 walks over 145 innings.
Despite his interest in remaining with the Red Sox, especially following their recent signing of right-hander Sonny Gray, Giolito may find himself looking for a new team. This situation opens up an opportunity for the Rangers to potentially secure him.
Throughout his career, Giolito has faced challenges with issuing walks, yet he has also enjoyed numerous successful seasons in the Major Leagues. He was selected by the Washington Nationals as the 16th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. In 2016, he made his debut with the Nationals, pitching 21 1/3 innings before being traded to the Chicago White Sox along with Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning in exchange for outfielder Adam Eaton during the 2016-17 offseason.
Giolito had a promising start in Chicago, showcasing a remarkable 2.38 ERA across seven starts in 2017. However, he faced difficulties in his first full season as a starting pitcher, ending with a 6.13 ERA over 32 starts in 2018. It wasn't until 2019 that he truly demonstrated his potential as a first-round draft pick, earning a spot on the American League All-Star team and posting 5.4 bWAR along with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts. Over his tenure with the White Sox, which lasted parts of seven seasons, he accumulated 13.9 bWAR and maintained a 4.20 ERA across 162 starts.
On July 26, 2023, the White Sox traded Giolito and Lopez to the Los Angeles Angels. Following that, the Cleveland Guardians claimed him off waivers on August 31, 2023. Unfortunately, Giolito struggled during his time with the Angels, posting a 6.89 ERA in six starts, and continued to face challenges with a 7.04 ERA in six starts with the Guardians.
This season's developments raise questions about the Rangers' direction and potential moves in the free-agent market. Could Giolito be the missing piece they need? What do you think about his journey and the possibility of him joining Texas? Share your thoughts in the comments!
