The Boston Red Sox have surprised many people already this season, but that doesn’t mean more work can’t be done.
Boston is 21-15 through 36 games, which certainly is better than some expected heading into the 2023 season.
Many have speculated that the Red Sox would finish at the bottom of the American League East standings and while that certainly is a possibility with so much time left, Boston already has shown that it is a better club than many expected.
At this point, the Red Sox boasts one of the best offenses in all of baseball. Boston’s offense has fired on all cylinders to begin the young season and should get even better shortly when Trevor Story and Adam Duvall eventually return.
The club’s pitching could use some work and if the club were to consider an external option, one player Red Sox Nation should keep a close eye out on is Chicago White Sox ace Lucas Giolito.
The 28-year-old has impressed to open the season and has compiled a 3.67 ERA in seven starts, but reportedly may not finish the season with the White Sox, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
“If the White Sox don’t turn around their season soon, they’ll have no choice but to trade Lucas Giolito, an impending free agent, before the deadline,” Bowden said. “Giolito, 28, is 54-49 in his career with a 4.30 ERA. He’s provided at least 161 2/3 innings pitched in four of the last five years, with the only exception being the shortened season of 2020. This season, he’s posted a 3.67 ERA and 3.88 FIP in seven starts but his strikeout rate is his lowest since 2018.”
Giolito is the type of pitcher the Red Sox could use to take its rotation to the next level. Boston’s rotation struggled early on but has made strides recently.
Although this is the case, the club could use another top-of-the-rotation arm and Giolito could fit this bill perfectly. Boston has the farm system to make a move and certainly has the money to make a deal work this upcoming offseason.
The 2023 season still is very young, but Boston currently is in playoff position and if the team can keep up its current momentum and get healthier, should have a chance to actually make the postseason this year.
An addition of someone of Giolito’s caliber would just make it even easier for Boston. The Red Sox have traded for a White Sox ace before in Chris Sale, why not do it again?
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