Blue Jays, Braves Top List of 4 Best Fits for Lucas Giolito

There is absolutely no reason why Lucas Giolito should be available right now and these four teams should be in the mix for him.

Aug 31, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

We're not officially over one week into the 2026 Major League Baseball regular season and somehow there is a 31-year-old former All-Star still looking for a new home despite logging a 3.41 ERA in 2025 across 26 starts.

At this point, you've likely heard his name a lot. That is, of course, Lucas Giolito. It is dumbfounding that Giolito is still available in free agency and hasn't signed with a team yet. Again, this is a guy who logged a 3.41 ERA in 2025 and was a dependable starter for a team that made the playoffs in the Boston Red Sox. He was Boston's No. 3 starter behind Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello and delivered his best season in years. His 3.41 ERA in 2025 is tied for the lowest mark of his career in a season in which he made more than seven appearances. He also recorded a 3.41 ERA in 2019 in 29 starts as a member of the Chicago.

For Boston, it's not shocking that he's not on the team any longer. That is because the club seemingly upgraded — at least on paper — by going out and landing Sonny Gray and Ranger Suárez. Plus, the club has two elite pitching prospects in Connelly Early and Payton Tolle. Early is in the majors right now.

But there are plenty of teams out there that need pitching. Here are three that need to sign Giolito right now.

Toronto Blue Jays

Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A detailed view of a Toronto Blue Jays hat in the sixth inning for game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The Blue Jays have four starting pitchers on the Injured List right now in Cody Ponce, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and José Berríos. Ponce is the latest to go on the shelf. The Blue Jays are World Series contenders. Why would they not sign a guy who had success in the division just last season?

Atlanta Braves

Mar 1, 2025; North Port, Florida, USA; A detail view of Atlanta Braves hat, sunglasses and glove in the dugout during the fifth inning at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Braves have been a bit of a surprise so far this season, but they are also injured right now. Joey Wentz, Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are all on the Injured List. Again, Giolito could help this team as well and they have big aspirations, like Toronto.

Chicago White Sox

Jul 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Chicago White Sox hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The White Sox are 1-5 on the season so far and have the worst starting rotation ERA in baseball at 8.10. Clearly, there's a bit of room for growth there. Plus, Giolito has already played for the White Sox. If Giolito were to join the White Sox, he could help the rotation in the short term and be a valuable trade chip if Chicago sells off ahead of the the trade deadline.

Athletics

Jul 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics glove and hat on the field before the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Like the White Sox, the Athletics are in a similar position. The Athletics are 1-5 with the second-worst rotation ERA in baseball at 6.00 in six games. Another team that could use a veteran arm to help in the short term and potentially turn into a trade chip later on.