Red Sox Urged to Make $22 Million Lucas Giolito Move
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 21: Lucas Giolito #54 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
While the focus of the upcoming MLB offseason for the Red Sox should be on ways to improve what was a good and promising group that is still shy of true contention, the team does face the same issue that all teams face at this time of year: How much of the band should we be keeping together?
The Red Sox want to bring Alex Bregman back but with news that he is opting out and hitting free agency, that’s up int he air. They are also awaiting the decision from shortstop Trevor Story on what he might do with his ability to opt out of the final three years of his contract, though the feeling is that he is likely to stay put.
But there’s even less clarity on one guy whose 2025 was all over the map: starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, who is likely to exercise his mutual option with the team. Once that happens, the Red Sox will need to decide whether to gamble on a $22 million qualifying offer for Giolito.
Red Sox Could Give Lucas Giolito the Qualifying Offer
The dilemma is this: Offer Giolito the QO, and he could accept it and force his way back onto the roster at $22 million. That’s risky given the fact that Giolito has now had two major elbow operations in his career and couldn’t get his arm through the 2025 season healthy.
Or, offer him the QO, and see if he signs elsewhere on a longer-term deal next year, as the team did with Nick Pivetta at this time last year. Players who have the QO attached to them but leave anyway net the team losing the player a draft pick. Pivetta brought Boston a third-rounder. Because they’re over the tax threshold, a Giolito pick would land after the fourth round.
Red Sox Would Be Giving a ‘Modest Raise’ if QO Is Accepted
But for veteran Red Sox beat man Sean McAdam of MassLive, there isn’t much of a decision. The assumption, though, is that Giolito is healthy.
“I would give him the qualifying offer,” McAdam said on “The Fenway Rundown” podcast. “It’s a modest raise over what he was making last year. When he was healthy, which is to say from the end of April to the very end of September, he was a very good No. 2 or No. 3 starter, I think he can be that again.
“There are certainly physical questions that make them pause, but they know from the examination he had in the first week of the postseason that there was nothing structurally wrong with the elbow, there was some inflammation.”
Lucas Giolito Was 10-4 Last Season
Giolito was 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA last year, and if the worst thing that happens out of offering him the $22 million QO is that he signs it and comes back for a year, that’s not a bad thing. Remember, Pivetta was 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA for the Padres this year–if he had signed the QO, that would have worked out a lot better than the Walker Buehler one-year signing, which was essentially for the $21 million qualifying offer.
Buehler was 7-7 with a 5.49 ERA before he was released by the Red Sox.
Pitching is at a premium, and after a season in which Boston burned through 15 starters over the course of the year, Giolito has value.
“To me, I don’t think this is much of a decision at all. You just saw how difficult it is to have sufficient pitching depth throughout the year. They ran out of pitching in September,” McAdam said.
“If you went to go sign somebody with his resume for a single year, you’d come pretty close to giving him $22 million. You’re protecting yourself that if he goes elsewhere, you get a pick out of it. If he accepts it, is it a little overpriced, is it a little bit of a risk? Yes. Guess what? All pitching is a little overpriced and a little risky.”
Treylon Burks Declares: "I Won’t Let This Opportunity Slip Away, I’m Here to Help the Team Win!"
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks is ready to prove why he deserves a place on the field. After battling through injuries and doubters, Burks has been activated to the active roster, and he’s determined to make the most of this opportunity. In a recent interview, Burks boldly declared:
"I’ve gone through injuries, been doubted, but now I’m called up, and I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away. I’m here to prove my worth and help the team win."
Burks, who has been a standout talent at each level of football, has faced setbacks in his journey to the NFL. However, instead of letting these challenges break him down, he has used them as motivation to come back stronger. His words signal not just personal determination, but a commitment to his team, to his coaches, and to the fans who have supported him throughout the ups and downs.
A Long Road Back
The road to the NFL isn’t always smooth, and for Burks, that path has been littered with obstacles. After overcoming significant injuries in his early career, Burks has worked tirelessly to prove that he has what it takes to succeed at the professional level. Now, with the Commanders calling him up, Burks knows that the next chapter of his journey is one he cannot waste.
“The injuries set me back, but they also taught me valuable lessons. Every setback was an opportunity for growth,” Burks said. “Now that I’m here, I’m more focused than ever. I’m determined to show everyone what I’m capable of.”
Proving His Worth
With the Commanders facing a critical stretch of games, Burks’ activation is a pivotal moment for both him and the team. The team’s receiving corps has been in flux, and Burks now has the chance to step up and prove he belongs in the NFL spotlight. His confidence in his abilities is unwavering, and he is ready to take full advantage of his opportunity.
“The coaches trust me to come in and contribute, and I’m not taking that for granted,” Burks added. “This is my shot to show what I can do. Every practice, every rep matters, and I’m going to give everything I have.”
The Next Step in His Journey
As Burks steps into this new role, he knows that his performance will be scrutinized. However, he’s prepared for the challenge. The support from his teammates, coaches, and family has kept him grounded, but his ambition is clear. Burks doesn’t just want to make the roster—he wants to help the Commanders win games and contribute to a playoff run.
“I’ve always believed in myself, but now it’s time to show the world,” Burks concluded. “I’m here to make an impact, help this team win, and prove that I can do this at the highest level.”
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As Burks makes his debut for the Commanders, all eyes will be on him to see how he capitalizes on this opportunity. His resilience, work ethic, and dedication to his team promise a bright future, and his chance to shine has finally arrived. Whether he’s catching passes or making plays downfield, one thing is certain—Burks is determined to make this opportunity count.
